PRESS INFORMATION: Mon 23 Oct 2023
New Notes for Ploughcappella….
North Devon’s highly respected Community Choir, Ploughcappella, bid farewell to its leader of 23 years, Alison Whittall, who enjoyed a final session of song with the group last week.
Alison summed up her experience: “Ploughcappella is more than a choir! It is a family and a powerful portal, through which so many incredible songs from all over the world have flown. These harmony songs have brought joy and comfort and exhilaration to so many audiences and to countless hearts. Our performances in Bristol Choir Convention, Credsing, RHS Garden Rosemoor and at Light up a Life in the North Devon Hospice stand out as wonderful highlights. We have raised funds for Wateraid, Help Refugees, The David Rundle Trust, the North Devon Hospice to name just a few charities. We have sung together through times of sadness and great joy. In 2020 we celebrated 20 years with an incredible online debut of an original song of unity called ‘Hidden in the Music’. Which went on to raise £1,725 for The Plough Arts Centre during challenging times.
Having the pleasure of leading this choir for over 23 years has been a tremendous privilege and a deep honour. All members, whether new or longstanding have given me so much joy and love with their presence and wonderful voices singing together as one. A HUGE thank you to Ploughcappella for 23 years of harmony and unity. Full blessing for the singing to continue in new and exciting ways with the lovely Rosa Rebecka and I will always treasure this choir in my heart.”
Choir members left dozens of appreciative comments for Alison including “thank you for such a rich experience. I have learned a lot about music, harmony, and the spirit and soul of music.”
“I am grateful for the years of being part of that family and for you and all the terrific people who have come and gone over those twenty three years.”
“I loved every moment with the choir, met so many lovely people and felt a real part of something unique.”
“amazing days…..best of all were the rehearsal nights in the gallery at the Plough. Such a company of friends did me no end of good….Thank you for all you have done to bring light, love and inspiring music to so many tongues and ears.”
Gerard Fawcitt, The Plough’s own Charity Development Officer is a longstanding member of Ploughcappella and said “My time with you and with the choir have provided some of the happiest and most joyful moments of my life…I have so treasured the atmosphere and feeling you have generated, through your love and dedication, which has been unique.”
Plough Director, Richard Wolfenden-Brown commented: “When Ploughcappella started in the year 2000 there were very few community choirs across the country, whereas today almost every town and village has one, which is fantastic. We have been fortunate that Alison has inspired and unified hundreds of choir members over the years, who have come together at The Plough each week to sing, celebrate and support each other. The sense of joy and harmony engendered by the choir is testament to Alison’s warmth, musical skills and choral leadership. We will miss her”
Ploughcappella continues under new leadership starting Monday 30 Oct 7.30pm – 9pm when Alison passes the musical baton on to singer/songwriter and music leader Rosa Rebecka who is no stranger to Plough audiences, and has led choirs and vocal workshops across Devon for many years. She is looking forward to bringing her unique style and energy to Ploughcappella and supporting existing and new Ploughcappella members in the next chapter of their singing journey.
Meanwhile, Alison embarks on a new monthly singing project at The Plough called ‘Heartsong’: Songs Of Peace Freedom and Joy including Harmonic Temple, World Music, Taize, Gospel, Contemporary and Original Compositions to nourish the heart, inspire the spirit and raise the vibrational field.
First Sunday of the month from Sun 7 Jan 2024 from 2pm – 4.15pm £10/£8 Supporters
Details via www.alising.co.uk and www.theploughartscentre.org.uk