Build a Song!: Practical Singing Workshop
Event information
6 July 2026
Time: 7pm
£10
Michael Sadler Building, LS2 9JT
This event is part of International Medieval Congress
This practical workshop with singers from Siglo de Oro and scholars from the UKRI-funded Musical Lives project will take participants on a creative journey from a medieval songbook to modern performance. ‘Song packs’ will be sent to participants ahead of time, with materials relating to little-known and rarely performed songs from the tradition of medieval French chanson. During the workshop, the Siglo/MUSLIVE team will first demonstrate the process of building a song. They will then invite participants to work with the singers to develop a new song performance from scratch. Participants have the chance to hear some of their songs come to life in the public concert by Siglo de Oro on Wednesday 9th July.
No prior experience needed! Active participation (including singing!) welcome but not required!
The workshop is made possible by support from Musical Lives: Towards an Historical Anthropology of French Song, 1100-1300 (EP/X022501/1) UKRI Frontier Research Grant.
About the performers and collaboration
Siglo de Oro is an adventurous vocal ensemble based in London. Led by its director, Patrick Allies, the group is known for its golden tone, fresh interpretations, and innovative programming. Since 2024, members of Siglo have enjoyed a partnership with the UKRI-funded project, Musical Lives: Towards an Historical Anthropology of French Song, 1110-1300 (MUSLIVE) to develop new models for co-created performances of medieval French songs (trouvère song). The approach combines research and practical expertise from singers and scholars (of literature, history and music) to learn more about the historical practices of trouvère songs and the people and communities who first made and encountered them. The Siglo-MUSLIVE collaboration now comprises a collective of 20 scholars and performers committed to developing accessible performances and methods for learning and teaching medieval songs and poetry.
Tagged with: Drop-in activity
