‘THE BALLAD OF THOSE WHO DRINK THE SUN’

Internationally acclaimed writer, romantic revolutionary, and relentless critic of the country he adored, Nazim Hikmet remains Turkey’s most celebrated and controversial national poet. ‘My books are published into thirty or forty languages, but in my own Turkish, in my own Turkey, I am banned…’ Despite spending much of his life in prison or exile, his boundless optimism, faith in humanity and indomitable spirit remained undaunted till his death in exile in 1963. Once whispered and even burnt, his poetry is now widely read in Turkish but his message is as provocative and challenging as ever. Using his own words Songlines unites a chorus of over 50 singers and musicians to tell his remarkable story in glorious harmony. This show was first composed by Sarah and produced by Songlines in 2002, contains several new pieces and instruments.

Performances at the Union Chapel are planned for May 12th, with other dates penciled for May 15th and beyond. Singers interested in getting involved are welcome to attend the first open rehearsal ( for the larger mixed Songlines Choir ) on MONDAY 16TH January 6.45 -9pm or 7pm- 9.15  WEDNESDAY 18th for the smaller more experienced Womens Chamber Choir 9pm at HARECOURT UNITED REFORMED CHURCH – HIGHBURY. The choir will be closed to all newcomers at the end of this month until the Autumn season.

All trial sessions are fun , free and informal and are an ideal introduction to the style and ethos of this unique choir.

‘… The hold has sprung a leak!
The slaves have broken their shackles
Wind from the polar star
Will dash this boat to the rocks…
Then this world , this pirate ship, will sink
Sink inexorably, sink inevitably
And we will create a universe
as free, as hopeful, as light,
as your dear brow…’ ( Dec 1945 )

If you are planning to come along for an open session, you must contact SARAH ( sarahjewells@hotmail.com) as there is a limited number of available places in both choirs. If you want to come but cannot make the first week , I will contact you and let you know if there’s any space left for the following weeks session. Though Songlines do not audition or use written music having developed together over the last 15 years we do not consider this piece suitable beginners to ensemble harmony singing .

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