Rising Voices is the Oxford Folk Festival's own community choir, led by Cat Moore.

We are a folk-based a cappella group; our repertoire consists mostly of traditional English music, with a large part of it coming from our own local area. We also sing some songs from further afield and a few of our own arrangements of more contemporary songs. In other words, if we lke it, we'll sing it! Our musical director, Cat Moore, is a qualified music teacher and has many years experience in leading ensembles. She's also well known at many folk festivals for her high energy singing workshops!

The ethos of the choir is very much about community; we do take our singing seriously and work to a high standard, but it is important to us that everyone is included and that we are all having fun whilst doing it. All the songs are taught by ear so there is no need to be able to read music, and there are no auditions to join, and no age restrictions. Our songs are arranged in a way that builds up texture and harmony to create a stunning overall effect, whilst at the same time having parts suitable for singers of any ability.

Our debut performance was at Oxford Folk Festival in 2008 (pictured above). At the 2009 festival we led a very successful workshop on local traditional songs as part of the Singing Histories project. On 21st June 2009 we will be holding our own concert - the Rising Voices Summer Party - which will involve cheese, wine and lots of singing!

Our practice venue is the United Reform Church Hall, Risinghurst, near Headington. We practice every Sunday evening from 7.30-9pm in the main hall.

Summer practice dates are:

5th April
12th April - NO PRACTICE (Easter Sunday)
19th April
26th April
3rd May - NO PRACTICE (Bank Holiday weekend)
10th May
17th May
24th May - NO PRACTICE (Bank Holiday weekend)
31st May
7th June
14th June
21st June - Rising Voices Summer Party!

If you'd like more information please contact info@risingvoices.co.uk