Monday evening saw the KTB Voice back together for another energising and thoughtful rehearsal as we continue preparing for our July concert in aid of the charity Heartbeat.
We began the session with a full sing-through of Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell, followed by a bit of much-needed note bashing. This piece has quickly become a firm favourite among the choir, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something timeless and emotionally honest about the music, and each time we sing it, new layers seem to emerge. Taking the time to iron out trickier notes felt worthwhile, as it allowed us to reconnect with the song’s reflective quality while tightening up the harmonies.
From there, we shifted gears completely and moved onto Heroes by Måns Zelmerlöw. Lively, upbeat, and full of energy, it provided a refreshing contrast to the introspective tone of Both Sides Now. Its quicker pace and rhythmic drive brought a real buzz to the rehearsal space, and it was a joy to lean into something so uplifting. It’s the kind of song that reminds you how fun singing in a choir can be, especially when everyone is locked into the same pulse.
To close the session, we turned our attention to our more literary selections. Hope is the thing with feathers by Michael Higgins, based on the poem by Emily Dickinson, and Now is the Time by Cecilia McDowall, inspired by Marie Curie, both demand a different level of concentration and musical sensitivity. I personally find these pieces more challenging, with complex textures and a depth that requires careful attention. They’re stretching in the best possible way, pushing me to listen more closely and engage more deeply with both the music and the words.
Overall, it was a rewarding rehearsal that showcased the variety and ambition of our programme. With favourites to polish, upbeat numbers to energise us, and challenging works to sink our teeth into, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks as the KTB Voice continues its journey towards July.
Written by Rebecca Fowler