Farnsworth Concert Series: Windborne Singers

@ “The most exciting vocal group in a generation” –Songlines “Subverting expectations and redefining the genre … just absolutely phenomenal!” BBC “The best musical discovery of the year…Stunningly powerful vocal harmony…Windborne sets a new bar for folk harmony singing today” Brian O’Donovan, GBH, NPR Hailed as “the most exciting vocal group in a generation,” internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble Windborne is known for their stunningly powerful arrangements and their ability to shift effortlessly between drastically different styles of traditional music within the same concert. While their musical knowledge spans many continents and cultures, they remain deeply rooted in the American singing traditions they have embodied since childhood. Praised for “the purity of their voices, strength of their material, and attention to detail in their arrangements,” Lynn Rowan, Will Rowan, Lauren Breunig, and Jeremy Carter-Gordon share a vibrant energy onstage – their connection to each other and to the music clearly evident. They educate as they entertain, telling stories about the music and explaining the characteristics and stylistic elements of the traditions in which they sing. In this concert, Windborne presents the “Music of Midwinter,” a full show of their favorite songs of the season. A joyful and heartfelt celebration of song, Windborne’s lush vocals and unique arrangements bring light to a dark time, as they draw on midwinter music from traditional, classical, and folk from the US, British isles and beyond. Unique from their typical show, the holiday spirit is accentuated with added instrumentation, from banjos and guitars, to Lithuanian Kanklės, and Irish bodhran. “ The four Windborne singers grew up immersed in the traditional song and dance communities of New England. For the past 20 years, Windborne has sought out masters of traditional singing styles in the US and around the world to study a variety of polyphonic music. Through these collaborations, they have developed the vocal agility and authentic sound for which they are known. In addition to their extensive repertoire of traditional and original American folk music, their dynamic concert programs can include songs from Corsica, the Republic of Georgia, the Balkans, Quebec, Occitania, and Basque country. The group sprang to wider recognition after singing a 19th century protest song outside Trump Tower which went viral, gaining over a million views. As groups and venues all over the country started reaching out to them, the group went full time in Dec 2017. Having sung everywhere from roadside yurts to 2,200 seat theaters, Windborne remains connected to their roots, regularly teaching educational programs, participatory workshops, and being invited as guest lecturers at universities. Seasoned teachers and song-leaders, they delight groups young and old with enthusiastic, clear, and nuanced instruction for musicians of all levels-regardless of background, language, or experience! Their performance never fails to awe their audiences, presenting something truly unique, and yet universal: The power, diversity, and innovation possible within the human voice, joined in harmony. Cost: $25; $20 for members; students 17 and over $10 ; children 16 and younger are free. Access rates are available. We also are offering a subscription rate to the entire music series; please click here to subscribe to all 8 concerts in the series for a discount. Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live