CELEBRATE Christmas with a performance by the Ridgeway Singers, who will take to the stage at two Dorset venues this December.
Led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, the Ridgeway Singers are inspired by the rich sources of locally collected folk songs and West Gallery carols. They will combine their voices and fiddles in a joyous celebration of Christmas past and present, organised in partnership with Artsreach.
Traditionally sung by village choirs in English country churches from the 18th century onwards, the decrease in popularity of West Gallery music was brought about by the innovations of the organ and harmonium. Yet the musicians who played the fiddle, the cello and the serpent were documented by writers such as Thomas Hardy, who helped preserve the musical genre.
This seasonal programme will include works from Puddletown and Bridport manuscripts, together with newly composed carols in the West Gallery tradition.
The Ridgeway Singers & Band will be performing at All Saints Church in Piddletrenthide on Sunday, December 1, and at St Christopher's Church in Winfrith on Sunday, December 15. Both performances starts at 4pm and tickets are available from Artsreach.
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