Lockdown Canon represents a fine example of initiative and creative collaboration as a response to the challenge faced by choirs during the pandemic. Initiative – as Kathryn Ridgeway brought together a poet, composer, singers and a video producer to create, perform and produce an original work. It is a local collaboration bringing together the talents of composer Michael Lewis, poet Stephen Carr and The Maidstone Singers. It is also a fusion of art and technology. Each singer individually rehearsed and recorded their part and it was then edited and put together by Kathryn and Jonathan Vincent (a talented local composer sound designer, producer and arranger)
The first venture into virtual performance and a World Premiere and it really was the first time the piece was heard with all four voice parts singing together. A unique experience!
Michael Lewis said: “Congratulations on your virtual performance; it was an absolute triumph both musically and technically. Please pass on my deepest thanks to all involved in producing such an excellent performance of my piece”.
Stephen Carr said: “A beautiful performance; it is quite humbling to hear my words to Michael’s serene music.”
What is even better, is the prospect of everybody working together in the future on new and live performances.
Enjoy!
The Maidstone Singers was founded in 1998 by Jeffrey Vaughan Martin who fulfilled a long held desire to create a small chamber choir. It is a 20 strong a cappella choir of accomplished singers, and now has an established repertoire of over 200 pieces. These range from choral works dating from the 16th Century to the present day and modern close harmony arrangements of popular music and folk songs. The chamber choir is joined by invited singers for larger choral works and this has enabled TMS to perform the more established choral masterpieces as well as a more intimate repertoire.
Although based in Maidstone, TMS has performed in many locations, including appearances in the Brandenburg Concert Series in London. Touring is an important element of activities and TMS has flown the flag for Maidstone throughout Europe, touring Germany and Luxembourg in 2019. The choir plans to visit Bulgaria in 2021.
Under the leadership of their new Music Director, Kathryn Ridgeway, The Maidstone Singers continues down the path established by Jeffrey of embracing new musical challenges and working with partners both in England and overseas.