Writing Home: Songwriting Project

22 February – 26 April 2021

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Do you want to be part of something special?

We’re moving into our newly-refurbished building in the heart of Leeds later this year, and since this will be your space as much as it is ours, we’d love you to collaborate with us on a home inspired songwriting project to mark the occasion.

Led by Thanda Gumede, Dave Evans and Sarah Freestone, we’re running a free, six-week series of online workshops where you’ll explore a wide range of music, craft songs on the theme of ‘home’ and create recordings of your new work. Your songs will form part of a music trail around our new home this Autumn.

Everyone aged 18+ is welcome to take part, and you don’t need to have any musical experience to join in – just bring your imagination!

*Due to popular demand, we have added a new date! These sessions will be led by musician and composer Sarah Freestone.

#ONWritingHome

Price

Free

Dates & times
Sessions will run for 6 weeks on the following dates:
Mon 22 Feb – Mon 29 Mar
Tues 23 Feb – Tue 30 Mar
Thu 11 Mar – Thu 15 Apr
Mon 15 Mar – Mon 26 Apr (no session on Mon 5 April due to bank holiday)*
Spaces are limited so please only book one session per person.

Times
All sessions begin at 6.30pm and will last an hour and a half.

Eligibility
For adults aged 18+. No music experience necessary. Everyone welcome!

What do I need?
All resources needed will be provided online during the sessions.

Still have questions?
Please get in touch by emailing lifelonglearning@operanorth.co.uk

About Thanda Gumede

Thanda Gumede and Dave Evans perform at an Arts Together/Opera North event, 2019. ©Tom Arber.

Thanda is a multi-disciplinary artist from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, now based in the UK. He is a vocalist who specialises in an eclectic blend of singing styles, heavily influenced by his dual Zulu/Xhosa heritage and Western music.

Some of Thanda’s most noteable projects and performances include the first ever Nelson Mandela Day sanctioned by the UN (2010), the Royal Enclosure at Buckingham Palace (2015), and Opera North’s pilot Resonance programme for minority ethnic music-makers (2018).

Thanda has also made appearances on Sky 1, SABC 1 and BBC radio and television.

FAQs

Do I need to be a singer or musician to take part?

No. Everyone is welcome.

Do I need to be able to read music?

No.

Do I need access to a computer?

The sessions take place via Zoom so you will need access to a computer, phone or tablet in to take part.

How will I get the Zoom link?

This will be sent to you before the first session. If you can’t find the email, please check your junk or spam folders. If you haven’t received it, contact writinghome@operanorth.co.uk.