Yvonne Burgess: musician, choir director, writer in Scotland

Hi! Do you live in Edinburgh or Fife, and would you like to sing regularly without having to audition first? If so - and even if not - read on to get a sense of who I am and how I work - the range of material, the background, and the atmosphere in my choirs and singing workshops.

This is me on the beach at Fisherrow - the Portobello end of Musselburgh, where I've been living for a couple of years now. (I don't know what the elephant's doing there.) Sea views to the north, sun to the south, 66 steps (up) from the street to the jungle of pot plants by the front door.

Latest News

  • Kerry 2009. In late June - early July 2008, ten singers joined Yvonne and her friend Ruth Elswood for a week of singing in Kells Bay, Co. Kerry. This turned out to be such a success that two events are planned for next summer. Kells Bay is situated idyllically on the Ring of Kerry, a magnificent stretch of coastal road, with views across to the Dingle peninsula, and a sheltered, sandy bay to swim in. The atmosphere is relaxing and convivial, and the people we met made us warmly welcome.

    Suggested dates for next summer's events are: June 28th - July 5th: a week of mixed material, as last year, to be held up in the hostel on the main road (14 places); and July 8th-12th: a four day spirituals event, singing Yvonne's own songs and chants, down in the cottages (9 places). Contact Yvonne for details.

    The hostel is above Caitlin's pub, an exceptionally welcoming and music-friendly social hub, so we promise ourselves lots more contact with the local community next year than we had this year.

  • Voice House started up again on 17 September. Find out more at http://www.voicehouse.org.uk . And: two dates for your diary: 1) our concert this year will be on the 12th of December. 2) Voice House has been asked to sing again at the Morningside Festival, which is on the 4th of October at 1pm, Old Schoolhouse, Newbattle Terrace.

  • Spirituals Workshops. The autumn Spirituals Saturdays will be held on 11 October from 10:30am-4:30pm at the Orcadia Trampoline Centre, Windsor Place, Portobello; and on 1st and 15th November, from 10:30am-4:30pm at Stockbridge Parish Church. Contact me if you would like to attend - the cost is £25 (£20 concession).

  • Musical skills days. 25 October and 29 November 2008, 2-5:30pm at Yvonne's house. Following on from successful sessions this spring, two further afternoons of singing, jamming, skills enhancement and "just enough" theory. £15 (£12 concession).