classical But perhaps the best-known song in the group’s repertoire is Jerusalem. Soprano Jennifer Atkinson explains that “this song is famous through the Last Night of the Proms and the rugby, and of course it was used at the Olympics opening ceremony to represent ‘traditional’ England. So it sums up a lot of what we’re exploring, the essence of the musical tradition that we want to bring to people.” Although members of the group, including Fraser himself, hail from far and wide, it’s clear
that the group has our region at its core.They’ve notably sung at Tideswell Food Festival, in Castleton’s Peak Cavern, and on horseback in the High Peak.Their ‘home venue’ and rehearsal space is the warm, modern church of Holy Trinity, Millhouses, Sheffield. And many of their publicity photos were taken out in the Peaks, often at Stanage Edge. Recently, the group attracted the attention of many a Sunday afternoon walker when conducting an album photoshoot with their
distinctive Celtic rings! Sowhat next? Wilson has grand plans.“Our album will be good for us. It’s already been played internationally.We’ll be at the Buxton Fringe Festival this July. “Next year we’ll be at the English Music Festival, and we’ll go on tour. It’s all about sharing this wonderful music as widely as we can.” And with their unique sound and fresh angle, Albion might just be the next big musical discovery to do the Steel City proud.
For more information log on to www.albionchoir.org.uk
www.etcmag.net
Twitter@etcmag_south
magazine - April 2014
73