Acclaimed singing ensemble Northern Harmony will perform in Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall as part of a two-date Dorset leg of a European tour.

The sixteen singers, hailing from Vermont USA, form the unique music vocal ensemble Northern Harmony; the highest level performing group under the umbrella of the world music organisation Village Harmony.

The performance at Wootton Fitzpaine will take place on October 11 from 7.30pm onwards. The group will also perform at St Christopher’s Church, Winfrith on October 7.

Since 1993, Northern Harmony have toured and performed widely throughout America and Europe to great critical acclaim. Now on their 16th European tour, these outstanding performers visit Dorset for two special concerts with Artsreach this spring, as part of a large scale national tour which sees them visit such venues as The Sage, Gateshead and the American Museum in Bath.

Transcending the traditional definition of choral music, the group is particularly renowned for its command of varied world ethnic singing styles; from the hearty and ultra bright Bulgarian ‘hard voice’ to the equally powerful, but darker and more sonorous Georgian timbre; from the rich, mellifluous South African style or the wild and unrestrained American shape-note sound and quartet gospel to a delicate, pure, early music timbre.

The singers include some of the most talented veterans of other Village Harmony performing ensembles.

Many of the younger members have sung with Village Harmony since the age of 12, and most have studied traditional singing styles first hand with native teachers in South Africa, Bulgaria, Corsica and Caucasus Georgia. These concerts will feature the thrilling mix of world harmony traditions that has earned Northern Harmony their wide reputation for a remarkable command of different singing styles.

Whilst touring Dorset with Artsreach, Northern Harmony is also hosting an open singing workshop in St Christopher’s Church, Winfrith, on October 6 where attendees will be taught a selection of songs from the wide variety of genres that the group specialises in. Singers from Northern Harmony will help to support participants each vocal part. No previous experience is required.

The workshop is suitable for adults and teenagers. For more information contact 01305 852117.