In a unique partnership with Southbank Centre thousands of singers from across the UK, Europe and further afield will converge for an uplifting and inspiring 4-day festival of song. Our programme reflects our vision of growth through singing, celebration and interaction presenting a kaleidoscope of music from classical and popular to avant-garde performed by our visiting and guest choirs. From Croatia to Vancouver, early music to eighties pop, our Choir³ performances showcase the diverse wealth of talent found in the choral community world-wide. International artists and performers including Our Lady J, Lea DeLaria, Amy Lamé, Jonathan Hellyer, Lorraine Bowen, Timberlina and Sandi Toksvig will headline a huge variety of events from public singing warm-ups to choral workshops, a Best In Show talent contest, a Big Gay Sing-a-long, the European premiere of Sing for the Cure, May morning madrigals, late-night cabaret, flashmob singers and cyclists and much more. Don’t miss our exciting collaboration with Southbank Centre’s innovative Voicelab, With One Voice, which includes a new commission from British composer Steve Martland and Orff’s choral masterpiece Carmina Burana with a 200-strong choir.
Various Voices is a magnificent festival dedicated to singing: within singing lies the truest form of self expression and we aim to offer everyone many opportunities to do so. Come and join us!
Andrea Brown
Co-Artistic Director, Various Voices London 2009
Two years ago we launched Voicelab to develop singing and choral work for all ages. As part of that programme, we invited many kinds of choirs and organisations to share their work.
Various Voices is the most ambitious partnership to date: I’m delighted that Southbank Centre is collaborating with this year’s festival. It’s a great opportunity for London to showcase some of the best singing talent from the global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. It’s also a chance for the wider community to come to the South Bank and join the exciting and eclectic range of cross-site activities this festival will generate.
Southbank Centre has a long tradition of choral activity, so it is a natural fit for us to host Various Voices 09. This unique festival brings into focus the major contribution that the LGBT community – in all its diversity – has upon the creative world. It demonstrates the uniting power of the voice. So come and celebrate with us – we look forward to hearing you there.
Jude Kelly
Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
