Virtual English Pub Carolling with Rideau Chorale

Hello all. On this dreary lockdown Christmas, here is something that is perfectly safe, seasonal, and maybe even spread some cheer. Happening tonight at 7:30pm. See instructions below.

-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:	Virtual English Pub Carolling with Rideau Chorale
Date:	Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:56:52 +0000
From:	Roland Graham <roland@southminsterconcerts.com>
Reply-To:	Roland Graham <roland@southminsterconcerts.com>
To:	mmoll@ca.inter.net

Dear Patrons of Music at Southminster,

Join RIDEAU CHORALE this Tuesday December 22 at 7:30 for a rousing rendition of English Pub Carols, in a livestream event accessible to all through the choir’s Facebook page. No account is required; access instructions are below.

ENGLISH PUB CAROLLING with RIDEAU CHORALE

When? Tuesday December 22nd 7:30-9:00 PM
Where? HERE (Video will be live at 7:20)
How much? FREE (donations encouraged for the Ottawa Food Bank)
Must I plan to drink? Of course not!

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English Pub Carolling: A brief history
(Text adapted from Arthur McGregor)

A common thread among celebrations marking Winter solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and others is festive and jubilant music-making. Communal singing in particular of timeless cherished songs is usually fundamental to people’s experience of living traditions.

One manifestation of this is the tradition of singing carols in pubs. To chant while imbibing harkens its own timeless tradition; add a festive occasion, a few feet of snow and a warm fire, and you have all the ingredients for memorable and joyous time.

Rising in the mid-18th century, primarily in rural northern England, in a setting where music in churches was often plain and unadorned, pub carolling gave an opportunity to dispense with decorum and offer rousing renditions of timeless tunes in the truest spirit of the season.

For over 15 years, the Ottawa Folklore Centre - run by Arthur McGregor and Wendy Moore - sponsored pub carolling events in and around Old Ottawa South, picking up on a tradition started by folklorist, song collector, and author, Shelley Posen, who introduced pub carolling in the town of Carp in the mid-80s.

Over the years, annual events held in Rasputin’s Coffee House, Patty’s Pub, the Barley Mow, Irene’s, and other establishments built a loyal following, inspiring the OFC to publish Dr. Posen’s collection of carols drawn from various 18th and 19th century sources.

Roland led a few of these events back in 2012, just before founding Rideau Chorale – which in turn grew out of a singing group organized by the OFC – and so it’s wonderful for Rideau Chorale to be picking up the tradition at a time when group singing is so greatly missed in many of our lives.

HOW IS THIS YEARS EVENT GOING TO WORK?

Rideau Chorale’s 2020 English Pub Carolling event will be offered virtually through the choir’s Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to view the event. Follow this direct link to the page; if the site prompts you to sign up, ignore it!

The presentation will include an introduction and brief history of each of the carols we will sing by Arthur McGregor, and then Roland will teach the vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and then lead the singing along to prepared recordings.

PDFs of the music will be shown on the screen during the singing, so you don't need to source music or print anything off. We recommend viewing on the largest screen possible for the best experience.

Rideau Chorale wishes to extend it sincerest gratitude to Arthur McGregor and Wendy Moore from the Ottawa Folklore Centre, as well as to researcher and editor Shelley Posen for their combined support of this 2020 ‘COVID-virtual’ edition of English Pub Carolling!

Thanks and hope to see you there!

ROLAND GRAHAM
Conductor, Rideau Chorale

Copyright © 2020 Roland Graham, All rights reserved.
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