Rich music with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving.
Christina Alden and Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich.
Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild.
They have enjoyed touring extensively in the UK and Europe; including a twenty three date concert hall tour with Show of Hands (including Union Chapel and St David’s Hall Cardiff). A show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections, headline and main stage performances at some of the UK’s most prestigious folk festivals and performances in Norway, Belgium, France and Ireland.
They have written and self-released four albums, composed music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary series and have had over a million streams on Spotify.
‘A milestone for contemporary folk song writing’ Bright Young Folk
'A bright, lively collection of songs that plays so sweetly it evokes the sensation of
a summer folk festival' The Guardian
‘Perfectly matched harmonies...at times it’s hard to tell them apart, you could be
listening to a single voice’ Folk Radio UK
'Gorgeous harmonies and lush melodies...a beautiful album that transports the
listener to wild landscapes and wild lives' BBC Countryfile
'Alden’s voice is hauntingly beautiful' Folk London
‘Alex would give even the great Swarbrick himself a run for his money in terms of
sheer feeling and passion' At The Barrier
Studio
£16
Insta christinaaldenalexpatterson
Fb Christina Alden & Alex Patterson
This extraordinary, multiple award-winning Irish folk singer is joined by acclaimed musician and producer Sam Lakeman.
This British folk and roots duo bring folklore to life with delicately interweaving vocal harmonies inside a dynamic world of song writing.
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2 - 5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.
Sing, Dance and drive with us on our wonderfully fun and exciting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang theme. A magic car? One that flies? Don't forget to say 'Please Chitty' as we play our 'Toot Sweets' and find out how the dogs have ruined Mr Potts's chances of buying that Car! We will dance to 'Me Ol' Bamboo' and succeed in our mission to trick the Vulgarians, as we sing 'Chu-chi Face' and use excellent 'Teamwork'!
A class like no other! Little ones, dance, sing and enjoy a drama adventure, ending each class with our unique story show, in our mini theatre.
Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre.
Led by a professional West End performer and director.
A story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
Spring
Course 1:
Thur 9 Jan - 13 Feb (6 weeks)
Course 2:
Thur 27 Feb - 3 Apr (6 weeks)
£48 for 6 week course (1 adult and 1 child)
£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session
Age guidance: 2-5 years
Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.
Meet new people and take some time for you in this new acappella choir for mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their babies!
It is a baby friendly class, created especially so you can bring the baby you care for. Grown ups are in a semi circle (with room for your buggy next to you) and babies can sit, crawl or play on the blanket in front of you.
These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.
There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months
12.30pm - 1.30pm
Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks)
Fri 21 Feb - 28 Mar (6 weeks)
£10 per session | £48 per 6 week course
Led by Dr Marta Mathea Radwan
Norden Farm’s Daytime Choir is a fun, friendly, non-auditioned choir for everyone. We learn by ear, so you don’t need music experience. Our music ranges from gospel, world and jazz to pop and classical - anything that sounds great and is a joy to sing. Joining us is a great way to meet people and sing your stress away.
Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks) Please note that the session on Fri 24 Jan has been cancelled
Fri 21 Feb - 28 Mar (6 weeks)
2pm - 3.30pm
£12 per session | £60 per 6 week course
Age guidance: 18+ years
About the tutor
Dr Marta Mathea Radwan is an award-winning vocalist, composer and musical director. Heralding from Poland and with over 30 years' experience in musical performance, Marta conducts choirs around London, including: jazz group Alle Choir London, Offbeat a cappella community choirs in Acton and Richmond, and Singing for Fun groups at Brunel University London.
Led by Seann Wilkinson
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Spring
Tues 14 Jan - Tues 1 Apr (exc 18 Feb)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £110 per 11 week term
With Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer.
Mix Heather Small and Julie Fowlis and you've got singer songwriter Ainsley Hamill.
One of the UK’s leading and most diverse singers, Ainsley has a long list of nods including the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalist and Gaelic Singer of the Year Finalist at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
She represented Scotland at Eurovision in Gothenburg and has appeared at folk festivals the world over, including The Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Celtic Connections and du Bout du Monde for the last 10 years. Hamill has recently been included in The List’s 2024 Hot 100, of the most influential Scottish cultural contributors.
Hailing from the West Coast of Scotland, Ainsley specialises in song writing and songs in Scottish Gaelic and English. Her love of Gaelic song was nurtured whilst studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trad roots are close to her heart. With this new album however, Ainsley is exploring new sounds and ideas as she pushes out from these roots to create personal material that encompasses big topics close to her heart, including feminism and equality, while unearthing forgotten stories and places that deserve a voice.
For many years Ainsley performed and toured with folk bands Barluath and made appearances with The Unusual Suspects. During this time, her accomplished song writing skills were evident in Barluath’s two studio albums; Source and At Dawn of Day as well as various singles including Touch the Gate and At the Fair.
Ainsley is a current member of folk band Fourth Moon, performing Gaelic, English and her own material, as well as step dancing.
‘Her voice thick with velvet and mirk…hovering between the comforting warmth of The Breath and the whip-smart forlorness of early Adele…Hamill has a big intriguing voice, it’s Scottishness ever present’ The Guardian
‘One of the best of her generation’ RnR Magazine
Studio
£16 I £14 (Supporters)
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