Songs of Travel

Sarah Gabriel – director

From troubadours to the present day, tales of journeys about places seen and unseen, imagined and real – and tales of departure, escape, exile, emigration, and coming home – are threaded through musical, poetic and artistic expression. We’ll spend some of our time exploring the songs of émigré composers such as Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, (notably his Hollywood Songbook), Friedrich Hollaender and others who left Europe for the USA in the 1930s, so they’re a great starting point for choosing repertoire – but you are welcome to sing music on our theme from any genre and century. Bring at least three short solo songs (up to three minutes per song is ideal) – and more if possible, so we can gather a rich collection of discoveries and new favourites over the week. We may also sing a song or two as a group (sight-reading skills won’t be necessary). You’re also encouraged to bring short readings, poems and references that might enrich our musical exploration.