Episode 5: Morris Folk Choir

 

In our final recording in the chapel as part of this series, we welcome back the Morris Folk Choir who have previously sung at our spring and autumn fayres. The choir has chosen to sing a trio of songs with the theme of trees - inspired by Abney Park as an arboretum. We hope you enjoy this socially distanced performance.

If you enjoy the performance, please consider making a donation to Abney Park Trust, the programmers of this series, so that they can continue in their role as curators of this beautiful space.

Watch the performance

Set list

  • Under The Trees - a short canon, written in and for Abney Park, by Michelle Woolfenden and her kids Dotty and Joe

  • The Trees They Do Grow High - a traditional song, with many variants appearing in the British Isles. It is no. 31 on the Roud index of ballads. Our version is after Martin Carthy’s rendition, with harmony by Michelle Woolfenden. The song mentions the trees but also a grave, so we thought it was very suitable to sing in Abney.

  • Oak and Ash and Thorn - an ode to three of Britain’s most famous trees, all to be found in Abney Park. This is Peter Bellamy’s setting of the Rudyard Kipling poem A Tree Song. The tune is intended to recall old Wassail songs.

Singers

  • Tom Albu

  • Eleanor Albu

  • Fiona Clark

  • Alison George

  • Seth Gillman

  • Michael Joseph

  • Clair Maleney

  • Ruth Ryder

  • Neil Sinden

  • Michelle Woolfenden

Biography: Morris Folk Choir

The Morris Folk Choir, led by choir director Michelle Woolfenden, is based in Dalston but our members come from across London and we will sing in all manner of places. We learn tunes and harmonies by ear, and sing unaccompanied, or accompanied by a range of instruments - traditional and otherwise - played by choir members.

Our repertoire reflects the inclusive, internationalist, outward-looking nature of folk music: treasuring songs which have their roots in the tradition of local and national communities but which belong to anyone and everyone, embracing songs from one another's traditions, and understanding that anything that has roots is living, growing and changing.

Over the last few years we have enjoyed performing at Abney’s seasonal open days. The park has provided the perfect setting and inspiration for recent themes of birds and trees in particular, and we love getting to know this special place. Thanks for always giving such a warm welcome! We run a monthly folk club that is open to all, and which is currently taking place via Zoom.

Visit morrisfolkchoir.org for more information.

Chapel RecordingHolly SpiceMorris Folk Choir, Trees, Tree songs