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

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 Kelly, 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. In June 2009 we held our own concert - the Rising Voices Summer Party - cheese, wine and lots of singing! Lots of fun was had by all :)

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.

Our first practice in 2010 will be Sunday 17th January. On Saturday 30th January we will be hosting a workshop with the fabulous South-African performer Lucky Moyo. (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=241564514546&ref=ts or email for details) This term we'll also be performing as usual at the Oxford Folk Festival.

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