About Voices of Craven
Voices of Craven welcome ELAINE DAVE
We are fortunate to have secured the services of Elaine Dave as our Assistant Musical Director / Accompanist
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 has given recitals as well as singing major Oratorio works with various Choral Societies in and around Yorkshire including Beverley Chamber Choir, Wakefield Festival Chorus, Lancaster Singers, Hull Choral Union 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.
Forthcoming recitals are at Beverley Minster and Sheffield Cathedral in the New Year.
As well as her role as Deputy Music Director/ Accompanist to Voices of Craven, Elaine is also MD to Libertas, a small Male Voice Vocal Group and is the accompanist for Steeton Male Voice Choir.
Rehearsal dates
After another round of successful summer concerts, we are planning our programme for Christmas 2024.
Rehearsals
20th of November, 7-30 at the Coniston Hotel.
27th of November, 7-30 at the Coniston Hotel.
Come and join us - we'd love to welcome new members. Why not give it a try?
Voices of craven delights audiences with summer concerts
The Voices of Craven Choir delighted audiences at two summer concerts this year, held at the beautiful Churches at Kirkby Malham and Giggleswick.
The Choir was led by the Musical Director, Darren Everhart along with accompanist, Elaine Dave.
Throngs of music lovers were treated to a diverse program ranging from classical masterpieces like Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (classical) to contemporary works like Adiemus by Karl Jenkins. The choir also brought the house down with modern favorites like John Lennon's Imagine and the beloved The Rose (Bette Midler version), finishing with a medley of Abba hits that had the audience singing along.
The concerts were further enriched by the performances of talented guest soloists. Jessica Harper and Sarah Fox.
At Kirkby Malham, soprano Jessica Harper captivated audiences with her renditions of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and Somewhere from West Side Story.
At Giggleswick, international opera singer Sarah Fox impressed the audience with Mai (Gabriel Faure), My Ship (Kurt Weill), and other pieces by these composers.
The Voices of Craven Choir was accompanied by the Vine String Quartet, who also performed their own pieces throughout both evenings. nals who saw a need for more accessible mental health resources in our community.
Joining a choir can be a rewarding experience
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