History & Philosophy

Voice House was established in 1992 and performed its first concert that December, as part of the cultural programme during the European Council Summit. Since then the 60+ singers have developed their a cappella repertoire and sing songs from a variety of styles, traditions and places including Africa, Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Scotland. Further live performances have included "Festval of the Sea" in 2003, and a Fair Trade Reception at the Scottish Parliament in 2006. Our most recent concert on 15 June 2007 entertained an audience of more than 350 people.

Summer Concert 2007

Philosophy of Voice House

Voice House was established in 1992 with the philosophy that everyone can sing! Too many of us have been told we "can't sing" or we think our voices are not good enough, but in our own cultural past singing would have been part of everyday life. Singing is simply a way to communicate, to express emotion and to help us get through the experience of living. Everyone sang; to help ease the workload, to grieve when somebody died, to sing the baby to sleep. We sang in celebration, to create an atmosphere for prayer and meditation, to prepare for war. Singing created community and everyone had something to offer regardless of ability or talent; the important thing was to take part.

At Voice House we aim to build a singing community in the heart of Edinburgh. For that reason everyone is welcome and there are no auditions. Our songs are taught by ear with no written music - the most natural and accessible way to learn songs. The tutor sings each part and we repeat it until it becomes familiar. The songs are in parts but it is up to the individual to choose where they feel most comfortable. We do encourage people to try out different parts in the belief that the human voice has many shades and tones and we have the right to explore them all.

Voice House aims to sing a great range of music but the core of our repertoire comes from cultures where singing is still part of community life and where the use of the voice is rich and varied.

Voice House meets for 10 - 12 week terms and holds a concert every 18 months. In keeping with the philosophy of the group, performance is about sharing our enjoyment of singing with a wider community, it is not about a perfect, polished product. Nevertheless we work hard to give our best. We also give occasional additional performances at community events.

A voluntary committee of members runs Voice House and anyone in the group is welcome, and encouraged, to serve. The committee works to try to take into account everyone's wishes within the overall context of the philosophy of the group.

Voice House may be the place where you sing for many years or you may feel the need to move onto something different after a while; no community can meet all your needs. The wider singing community in Edinburgh is diverse and exciting, so go out and taste it! In the meantime welcome to Voice House.

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