Rehearsal dates
26th of March.
2nd, 16th and 30th of April.
7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th of May.
All start at 7-30 and will be held at the Coniston Hotel.
We were unfortunate that both our accompanist, Ellie Everhart, and musical director, Darren Everhart had to leave us in the last year, but we were very lucky that Elaine Dave filled the breach.
Then Elaine decided to join us full-time in October.
We can look forward to an exciting and enjoyable year now that we have Elaine as our musical director.
Graham Thorpe who joined us as musical director for the Christmas Concerts has secured a place as assistant musical director at Norwich Cathedral and has had to leave us.
We thank him for all his hard work, and wish him well and all the happiness in the future.
We already have several things in place for this year including at least two Summer concerts, one being held at the Victoria Hall in Settle, the others to be arranged.
There will also be several Christmas concerts including one at the Coniston Hotel, and again, one at the Victoria Hall.
We are a choir that performs different kinds of music ranging from classical, religious, musicals and modern popular.
We rehearse weekly on Wednesday nights starting at 7-30 pm usually at the Coniston Hotel.
Why not come and join us?
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Before relocating to Gargrave in 2021 Elaine was a singing teacher for the East Riding Schools’ Music Service, and up until 2018 was the MD of the East Riding Youth Singers.
As a soprano soloist Elaine enjoys performing recitals as well as singing major Oratorio works with various Choral Societies in and around Yorkshire. She has performed with Beverley Chamber Choir, Wakefield Festival Chorus, Lancaster Singers, Hull Choral Union, Hull Bach Choir and East Riding County Choir. Elaine has also performed the Berlioz ‘Les Nuit D’ete’ and Gliere’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano with the Scarborough Symphony Orchestra and is looking forward to working with them again in the future.
Forthcoming performances include Sheffield Cathedral, York and Beverley Minster. Elaine also performs with Allegoria, a small vocal ensemble that perform works by East Yorkshire composer, Dawn Walters.
As well as being the MD to Voices of Craven, Elaine enjoys her role as MD to Libertas, a Male Voice Vocal Group, and is the accompanist for Steeton Male Voice Choir.
Singing, along with its spiritual benefits, provides many physical health benefits. What a great activity it is in terms of improving various areas of physical fitness.
Physical Health:
Singing exercises your diaphragm and lungs, leading to better breathing and improved lung function. It can also boost your immune system and even help manage chronic conditions like asthma.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Singing in a choir is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that combat anxiety and elevate your mood. Studies have even shown that singing can reduce symptoms of depression.
Social Connection:
Choirs provide a great way to meet new people who share your love of music. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes from working together towards a common goal can be very powerful.
Improved Cognitive Function:
Learning new music challenges your brain and keeps it sharp. Choir members are constantly memorizing lyrics and following along with complex musical pieces.
Creative Outlet:
Singing allows you to express yourself creatively and explore different musical styles. You'll also gain a deeper appreciation for music through the practice of choral singing.
So, if you're looking for a fun and enriching activity that benefits your body, mind, and soul, consider joining:
Voices of Craven
Voices of Craven (VOC) members were delighted that, following recent editorials in the Craven Herald and in the Gargrave and Malhamdale parish magazines, new members have been coming along in number to our recent rehearsals.
With an exciting and varied programme new and established members alike have been having great fun whilst working hard towards our forthcoming concerts.
We mentioned in our editorial pieces that music-making is good for us both mentally and physically, and this has been borne out in the smiling faces and lively chatter at the end of rehearsals. In addition, the break for refreshments has seen everyone enjoying the social benefits of being a VOC member.
See more of what we do below!