The Friends' Musick is a chamber choir whose repertoire spans over 500 years of vocal music, though their performances in 16th century period costume are always popular.
Formed in 1990 and encouraged by the late Sam Wanamaker, (founder of Shakespeare`s Globe) the singers were originally involved in numerous events which helped to raise funds and public interest in the building of The Globe on Bankside, culminating in its performances during its opening Festival of Firsts in 1997,which was attended by HM the Queen. Since that time The Friends' Musick has maintained a Shakespearean thread in many of its concerts (see Past Performances) and performed extensively in concerts ranging from a production of a medieval morality play Everyman to the BBC`s Music Live Festival as well as a number of summer appearances in France. Most of the concerts performed by The Friends' Musick
are within the standard formal setting, comprising an eclectic mixture of a-capella and accompanied repertoire.
The Director: Norman Harper
A former Organ Scholar at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Norman has directed choirs in the north-west of England and in London, and performed as an organ recitalist and accompanist throughout the UK and abroad.He has broadcast solo recitals on BBC Radio 3, made two solo CDs and accompanied numerous choral services on radio and television.
Currently Norman is musical director of The Friends` Musick and Alleyn`s Singers, and is also organist and director of the Girls` Choir at St George`s Metropolitan Cathedral, Southwark.
Norman`s choral compositions include carols, anthems, organ pieces, liturgical music and arrangements of music for choral and instrumental groups.
For further details about Norman Harper please visit: www.normanharper.org.uk
The Friends' Musick is a chamber choir whose repertoire spans over 500 years of vocal music, though their performances in 16th century period costume are always popular.
