{"id":1313,"date":"2013-11-22T14:07:08","date_gmt":"2013-11-22T14:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/cantusfirmus\/?p=1313"},"modified":"2013-11-22T14:14:35","modified_gmt":"2013-11-22T14:14:35","slug":"in-choir-within-matthew-norman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/cantusfirmus\/2013\/11\/22\/in-choir-within-matthew-norman\/","title":{"rendered":"In-Choir Within: Matthew Norman"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meeting some of the singers with the University Chamber Choir. This week, bass Matthew Norman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Pipped

Pipped to the post ?<\/p><\/div>\n

How did you get into choral singing? <\/strong>At the age of eight, after a much acclaimed performance as Mr. Tomato in the play Mr. Tomato<\/em>, it was suggested that I join my local choir.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your favourite piece?<\/strong> I am very fond of Eric Whitacre\u2019s work, especially Sleep<\/em>. Its haunting dissonance is beautiful and never fails to move the audience and myself.<\/p>\n

What is your best and worst memory of singing in a choir? <\/strong>I do not have one standout memory of my choral experiences. Instead, I enjoy the togetherness and friendship you earn through long hours of rehearsal. I relish that one intangible moment where the choir\u2019s sound clicks, leaving all involved speechless.<\/p>\n

In stark comparison, my worst memory is arriving at a rehearsal vaguely inebriated, after birthday celebrations, and struggling to count!<\/p>\n

What do you find the most inspirational aspect of choral singing? <\/strong>Its intrinsic ability to transcend life\u2019s trials and tribulations. No matter how stressed or anxious you may be, choral singing has a somewhat cathartic ability to relax you and put your worries into perspective.<\/p>\n

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