LA SOL FA MI – Open Shape Note Singing

Named after a song collection first published in 1844, the tradition of “Sacred Harp” singing spread from churches and chapels in the southern USA to secular living rooms, pubs, and community centers around the world. Today, people from all social backgrounds come together to sing these simple yet infectious four-part a cappella arrangements. The music is written in the so-called “Shape Note” system, designed to help inexperienced readers recognize notes on the scale. Although the music has Christian roots, it now embraces a strictly non-exclusive policy. Your atheism, Satanism, or socialism, age, social status, skin color, or sexual orientation do not matter.

Singing at Libken is organized by a group of friends, both musicians and non-musicians, and welcomes everyone with varying levels of choir experience. In the first hour, we will introduce the notation system practically and discuss a bit of the music’s historical background. After a lunch break, we have two hours to sing together. Please bring something for lunch!

On Saturday evening before the singing, former Libken #takeheart resident Evelyn Saylor and Dina Maccabbee, both composers and musicians, will present some pieces for voice and electronics from their new repertoire. The concert starts at 7 PM.