Do you have a passion for music? Do you like expressing yourself through words? Do you like the idea of writing your own songs?
Our song-writing group meets monthly to create new music, lyrics and words inspired by the themes and stories in our collection and by the artists and events in our creative programme.
This session will be co-hosted by Francesca Ter-Berg from Fran & Flora who will be performing as part of this autumn’s Synagogue Nights season.
Francesca will share with the group ‘nigunim,’ a form of Jewish religious song sung mainly by Hasidic communities and normally involving a repetitive sound or chant.
We will also learn a new song, both in a traditional Yiddish format and with a contemporary adaptation that Fran & Flora explore in their own music. We will explore new lyrics to this melody, and perform the piece as part of Fran & Flora’s concert for Synagogue Nights at the end of October.
Don’t worry if you’re new to the group, our doors are always open for new members – it’s a supportive space to try something new! No writing or music experience necessary. If you have an instrument you’d like to bring along, please feel free.
What you need to know
The session is open to anyone aged 18 and over, of any level that is interested in exploring music and songwriting– beginners and seasoned pros!
The workshop is 2 hours long and there will be refreshments provided.
There is no need to bring anything to the session, but if you’d like to bring an instrument you would be more than welcome to.
Our building includes step free access to the entrance via a ramp, a lift to the first floor, level access throughout the ground floor and accessible gender neutral toilets. We have a wheelchair available to hire, free of charge, during your visit. Please click here for more access information. If you have any additional access needs, let us know by e-mailing gemma@manchesterjewishmuseum.com.
Click here for information on travelling to the museum.
If you require anymore information about the group please email: Gemma@manchesterjewishmuseum.com.
About the artist
Fran & Flora was born out of a deep friendship, musical bond and shared interests in traditional music, improvisation and sense of adventure. Having just finished their second album together, this experimental folk duo is made up of cellist Francesca Ter-Berg and violinist Flora Curzon.
The duo draw inspiration for their material from their travels and mentors in eastern Europe and beyond. Their compositions stem from the melodies of Klezmer, Transylvanian, Romanian, Greek and Armenian music, as well as drawing on archival recordings. Fran & Flora seek to combine elements of these rich musical traditions with their ever evolving, experimental collaboration.
