Join us for a singing and songwriting workshop this summer inspired by the call of the curlew, led by Karen Lloyd and Mary Keith.
The call of the curlew heralds spring and has inspired a wealth of folklore, poetry, art and music. Their unique vocalisations – which feature complex harmonics and pitch variations – are often described as haunting, but just as often as ecstatic. Calls are composed of both major and minor tones and can provoke strong feelings of both sorrow and joy. Perhaps this explains why curlews have stirred such a range of responses from poets, musicians and writers.
Mary and Karen will use the call of the curlew as the melodic starting point for new songs, written with together with workshop participants.
The workshops will take place at:
- Malham Methodist Church – Saturday 3rd August 2024
10am to 4pm – book here - Leyburn Arts Centre – Sunday 4th August
11.00am to 5.30pm – book here - The Owl Barn, Dallowgill, Nidderdale – Sunday 11th August
10.00am to 4.30pm – book here
There will be the opportunity to perform the songs in Masham Town Hall, as part of the North of England Curlew Conservation Awards. (on August 18th).
No singing experience or ability to read music required – just a willingness to join in. Suitable for ages 16 plus.
Karen is a renowned nature writer with a special affinity with the north of England and editor of “Curlew Calling”, a recently republished anthology of writing and poetry celebrating curlews. Mary Keith is a freelance musician who has worked with numerous theatre groups, choirs and communities around the world. Mary and Karen have worked together since 2016 when they took part in the Curlew Country Arts Project in Shropshire.
Matthew Trevelyan from Nidderdale National Landscape says, “We’re in danger of taking our curlew for granted – adult curlew are present in our landscape but often fail to breed successfully. On average we’ve lost 60% throughout England and Scotland since the 1980s. Unless things change, this red list species will vanish from our Pennine strongholds. Fortunately, there are a number of brilliant projects aimed at increasing breeding success. It’s important we celebrate curlew – not just because curlew are a source of wonder and joy, but also because we’re less likely to protect wildlife that we don’t value.”
This event has been supported with grant funding from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme.
