With Kate Hesketh Moore, Leigh Osborne & Lin Scott
The River of Sound flows from a simple concept: that music is singing the world into existence every moment! It starts with One Note -- the note that holds all the music, all sound, in total oneness. And from that emerges a rich array of music that encompasses the huge variety of human existence.
But how does that translate into a concert? Mary and the other singers wait and listen in silence in order to tune in to that deep running, ever-changing music. When they're ready, they start singing. These four very different singers then blend and divide in a unique ‘Whole World’ vocal tradition, weaving together eclectic vocal styles: Celtic/Buddhist, Folk/Indie, Plainsong/Poetry, Classical/Jazz. They move between extraordinary improvisation and songs to capture what is rising up in the moment! Truly something not to be missed.
Whatever happens, all the singers will be voicing from a place of naked authenticity and passion. Evocative, haunting, enlivening, each concert is a ‘one-time only’ musical journey on The River of Sound.
The River of Sound also includes Lee Fisk on percussion and Phil Toms on keyboard.
Where the River has Flowed So Far . . .
The River of Sound project was conceived in 2006, when Mary Benefiel was approached to give a fundraising concert in Bury St. Edmunds. She invited three of her advanced, multi-talented, voice students - Kate Hesketh Moore, Leigh Osborne, and Lin Scott to join her in creating a show that went beyond traditional notions of a concert. The singers were keen to explore the range of human experience and to share that exploration with their audience in very personal way, through voice and presence.
The October 2006 show in Bury St. Edmunds was a sell-out success, as was a follow-up show in Norwich in June 2007 (at Colney Wood). With the Winter Concerts in 2008, the singers and musicians delved deeper into that realm of authentic experience, with greater emphasis on improvisation and contemplation, using the theme of Candlemas as their theme and shaping force. They were welcomed by audiences in Dunwich (The Phoenix Centre) and in Norwich (another sell-out at The King of Hearts).
The next dip in the river will be in the Ipswich area sometime in 2008/9.
A CD of the River of
Sound will be available in 2008!
For advance orders or information about future concerts please contact Mary
Benefiel
Telephone: (+44) 01473 289 531 or E-mail: mary@sounds-enchanting.com
The Artistes
Mary Benefiel, International Singer and Voice Teacher
Mary's repertoire includes everything from madrigals to musical comedies, from folk songs and spirituals to opera. She has performed with professional theatres in America and Paris in well-known musicals like West Side Story, as well as in world premieres of two folk operas. Mary has created shows for a variety of producers in Brussels including An Evening of Cole Porter, and A Christmas Carousel. Mary was also the lead in A Tribute to Broadway at the European Festival of the Stars. Her one-woman show: Of Cakes Men And Angels premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and then on the continent. Mary was a soloist at the Manchester Streets Ahead Festival in Heaven and Earth. Since moving to the UK she has been a soloist with Chloe Goodchild and the Global Mantra Choir in London, at the Healing Sounds Festival in Brighton, and at the launch of Peace Direct at Covent Garden. This solo debut in the UK marks a new era in Mary’s performing!
Click here for more information about Mary's classes.
Kate Hesketh Moore, Singer
Kate comes from North Lincolnshire, and has lived in Norwich for twenty years. She has sung in a number of choirs over the years; memorably Clive Wearing's Europa Singers in the late seventies, and currently -- with much joy and enthusiasm -- in Chrissy West's Hearts & Voices. Kate's previous solo singing work was as Jenny Diver in The Beggar's Opera at sixth form college! Since attending one of Mary's singing workshops three years ago, Kate has become passionate about the naked voice -- discovering improvisation and chanting, and generally exploring what an amazing musical instrument the whole body can become.
Kate is a member of the ‘Art of Norwich ’ artists’ group based in Norwich. She is a photographic artist with a passion for capturing the intimate and atmospheric aspects of plants, stonces, brick, wood, sand...
Leigh Osborne, Singer
Leigh is coached by Mary Benefiel and has also studied with opera singer Helen Cannell. Combining authentic and classical techniques, he is interested in exploring all aspects of the voice. Jazz, soul and contemporary music are also included in his repertoire. His musical background includes recital, concert and theatre performance for voice, clarinet and saxophone in his youth.
A professional artist and trained Colour Therapist, Leigh has provided artwork for previous ‘ River of Sound’ publicity. Leigh has exhibited around Norwich as part of the Simply Eclectic group and produced a number of commissioned pieces.
Leigh says: “Training and singing with Mary has been a voyage of discovery through all aspects of the voiced self and into the unknown. Exciting and innovative, this singing practice has helped deepen my understanding of what the voice really is, in the company and support of like-minded people.”
Lin Scott, Singer
A native of Nova Scotia, Canada, Lin has lived in Norwich since 1998. She has sung in church choirs and secular choral groups since childhood. Studying with Mary since 2003 has enabled Lin to discover and explore her own authentic vocal landscape. She loves gospel, indie folk, and jazz fusion, and has been known to do the occasional bit of performance poetry and storytelling. Lin currently works for the NHS as an occupational therapist, where among other things she teaches stress management skills.
Phil Toms, Keyboard
After studying for his Music degree in Colchester in the early nineties and his Masters degree in Music Technology at the University of York, Phil has spent the past ten years teaching in secondary education, for which in 2004 he was presented with the Leader of the Year Award for Outstanding Service to Youth by millionaire Jack Petchey. In addition to accompanying the Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society, Phil is an active musician around East Anglia, working primarily with orchestras and in musical theatre. He has recently composed a national jingle for BT, arranged a new classical work by rock musician Jon Anderson and composed music for the Essex County Council road safety CD-Rom. Phil lives in Colchester, where he is a trustee for CO1, a new charity youth café and music venue, opening soon in the town centre. From September, Phil returns to the Colchester Institute as a lecturer concentrating on Music in Education.
Lee Fisk, Percussion
Lee is a multi percussionist from Ipswich, specialising in the drumming of north India. Having been inspired by his travels in India ten years ago, Lee became interested in Nada Yoga (the practice of sacred sound and musical meditation). Lee began teaching himself the tabla and other percussion instruments. In 2000 Lee began his formal training with tabla master Harkirat Rayatt. Currently under the guidance of his guru he is studying for a degree in Indian classical drumming with the Thames Valley University. Lee says: "For me meditation and music are one and the same. Learning music is a sacred practice, a way of life, a journey to the true nature of self."
Our Venues . . .
The King of Hearts is a meeting place for people and the arts, with a cafe, gallery, and music room. Set in a beautiful Tudor building in the heart of Norwich, it provides a small haven of beauty and relaxation, where personal service and quality events are offered to all.
For more info visit: www.kingofhearts.org.uk
The Phoenix Centre is a retreat haven on the Suffolk Heritage Coast (in Dunwich) created for tranquillity, recreation and healing. Surrounded by forest, heath and sea, the Centre houses the Barn Room (used for workshops, meetings and concerts), a Complimentary Therapy Clinic and holiday cottages.
For more info visit: www.phoenixcentre.co.uk
Colney Woodland Burial Park provides an appealing and meaningful alternative to traditional burial and cremation choices. The 12-acre mature woodland is open year round. A haven for wildlife, Colney Wood is a place where, in the truest sense of the word, life goes on. Regular events range from concerts to nature themed activities for children.
For more info visit: www.woodlandburialparks.co.uk
Special Thanks To...
All the staff at the vaious venues for their interest and support.
Muriel Frankl for rehearsal space in
Norwich.
Diane Clouting for the wonderful design
she donated.
Mark Dunn and Yvonne Durie for being our
Roadies.
Peri Aston for her help with costumes and
staging.
All the wonderful people who come sing
with me regularly and keep the River of Sound flowing and growing!
Artwork by Leigh Osborne
Graphic Design by Diane Clouting
Recorded by MikeSound Studio ltd.,
Henley, Ipswich, UK
www.mikesound.co.uk