'Being Human' - A selection of Kate Rusby songs arranged for mass choir

As part of the Classical Sheffield Weekend 2023

Being Human is a collection of ten songs by Kate Rusby and arranged for choir, piano, violin and flute by Kate Shipway. Members from fantastic Sheffield based choirs; The Sheffield Music Makers, SingSoc and Singing In... Grenoside, will come together for the very first time to perform this exciting premier of new work.

The selected songs cover a range of subjects that delve into what it is to be human. 'Awkward Annie' is a quirky but poignant song about unrequited love; 'We Will Sing' is full of the joys of spring and singing; we explore grief in 'Who Will Sing Me Lullabies'; sing of love, friendship and support
in 'Until Morning and Walk the Road'; and of being a hero (and the joys of Yorkshire Tea!) in 'Big Brave Bill.'

Kate Rusby is a widely-celebrated local folk singer/songwriter from Barnsley. 2022 marks 30 years of Kate touring as a professional folk singer with a back catalogue of over 20 albums and collaborations.

These unique arrangements have been commissioned by Classical Sheffield for the 2023 festival weekend, with a view to creating an accessible and relevant choral work celebrating the output of Kate Rusby.

The arrangements have been made by Kate Shipway; a conductor, music teacher, composer and arranger living in Sheffield. Kate specialises in getting people from all walks of life to come together to sing and make music.

Performers

Sheffield Music Makers, Sheffield University Singers' Society and Singing In...