HISTORY OF PLOUGHCAPPELLA
Ploughcappella sings it’s way into a 20 year anniversary in 2020
It all started with an accappella group ‘Quorum’ in the spring of 2000 being invited to run some singing workshops, culminating in a concert. The workshops were very popular and there was tremendous enthusiasm to sing more. Ploughcappella was born.
We sing with passion and commitment and enjoy a whole range of fantastic songs in exhilarating harmony – an eclectic mix from all corners of the globe both traditional and contemporary. We have sung at many local events including Bideford Folk Festival, Pilton Festival and Appledore Arts Festival, Devon County Show and numerous other events including weddings and funerals. We have performed yearly in the Bristol Choir Convention for 20 years and North Devon Festival of Choirs. We have sung at Light up a Life and FLoating Bye for the North Devon Hospice for many years.
The choir also has had a strong link with the North Devon Hospice and supports fund raising events as well as raising
thousands of pounds over the years for Wateraid. Ploughcappella has released 2 CD's ‘E Malama’ in 2009 which
has raised money for Wateraid. This is a way of saying thank you to the African people for all those
wonderful songs. Also we have released a new CD 'Something Inside' raising money for North Devon Hospice.
Our recent joint summer concert at Rosemoor RHS Gardens has raised over five and a half thousand pounds for the Hospice and The David Rundle Trust (Aid for people of Rwanda) and The Plough Arts Centre.
The choir set sail in august 2009 for their first international concert in Brittany! There was a tremendously appreciative audience of at least 200 people. ‘It was deeply touching to see so many warm faces and to sing in such a beautiful church. The acoustic was stunning and it was a very special occasion.’ says Alison Whittall – the choir leader.
Alison is a member of the Natural Voice Practitioners Network and the ethos of the choir has been inclusive and welcoming to all. The songs were taught by ear, line by line, and the harmonies quickly combine to make a glorious sound. The language used is accessible to all. We work with the body and breath to improve quality of singing and even though the atmosphere is relaxed we are also challenged and create a stunning sound! We have a lot of fun!
‘Singing just opens your heart – you’ll love it’ (choir member)
Alison finished leading Ploughcappella in 2023 and started Heartsong in Torrington which is thriving and how has a new venue
THE TOWN HALL GREAT TORRINGTON
NOW Ploughcappella is currently led by Rosa Rebecka
Book online HERE - or at THE PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE or via 01805 624624
ABOUT ALISON WHITTALL
Alison Whittall B.Ed Hons, Estill Voice Training levels 1 and 2
She has been leading choirs in Devon for 25 years as well as leading a wide variety of singing workshops here in the UK and abroad.
She has travelled widely around the world – absorbing the global spirit of song. Her repertoire reflects this. She is an experienced musician (grade 6 piano and A level Music) and talented songwriter who is deeply involved with music and song in the community.
Alison is a member of the Natural Voice Practitioner Network. The ethos of this network is inclusive and recognizes singing as a natural birthright to all. SHE HAS ALSO ORGANISED CREDSING 2015, 2017 and 2019 (300 participants) with BIG SING and concert celebrating local and regional choir. The latest CREDSING event raised
Alison is also a regular teacher at theUnicorn Voice Campin Dorset and also frequently in Germany in which she teaches her own material. Alison’s work as a composer has developed in recent years, her songs are full of heart, combining a funky syncopation with stunning harmony and counterpoint. Her compositions reflect her passion for the journey of ‘awakening’ in an extremely down to earth way with tremendous warmth and humour! ‘singing actually brings forth a true communion through sound vibration, calling us to the presence that unites us all. I love to put people at ease and to support the process of healing through song. I also encourage improvisation as this lets the spirit of song be heard in a way that is fresh and alive.’
In 2016 Alison also completed the Tonalis training in Choral Excellence.
In July 2018 she graduated as a ONE SPIRIT Interfaith Minister
In 2024 She wrote this book JOY IN CRISIS
