MEN ARE SINGING
The “beloved” alternative Cornish male voice choir.
A six year-long social art experiment looking at the benefits of community singing, positive masculinity and collective endings.
It all started with a handmade, photocopied poster inviting blokes to sing less conventional, non religious material, led by Seamas Carey.
Over the next six years they developed into a 50-man-strong chorus, headlining festivals and inventing new traditions, with a surprising mix of barnstorming covers and heart-warming original compositions.
“Men Are Singing, the brainchild of Cornish creative Seamas Carey, is reinventing the concept of a male voice choir, teaching the importance of embracing emotion, vulnerability, and the exploration of all facets of modern masculinity”
Bristol 24/7
“It was a much cherished, enlivening, nourishing and hugely important part of my life. The project spanned generations and backgrounds, bringing men together around an open, flexible, collaborative, social and highly creative music project”
Paul Bray 41
“Forty or more men of all ages and abilities turned up and Seamas started to turn us into a choir. I got to know, and sing with, a bunch of blokes who I would never otherwise have met. We did vigorous warm-ups, played silly games, laughed a lot, learned a whole new range of songs, and over the next two years morphed into performing in public at some memorable gigs, including the Port Elliott festival.
After covid lockdown it was great to meet up again and have the choir to focus on. He also initiated Men are Talking, a great idea, to enable us to explore being a man and masculinity and share anxieties in a safe space.”
Tim Brighton
“I never thought I’d relish hanging out with a big bunch of men. I never thought a large group of men could be so vulnerable, silly, kind and emotional together. Every practice and gig has taught me something new about men, art, music, listening and being more alive. It has felt like a big, mad adventure full of silliness, laughing, hugs and learning songs.
“Seamas’ concept of community art that is non-transactional, inclusive and beneficial - that exists for people to come together and have fun - has been super inspiring.”
Matt Johnson 45
