Linklater Workshop in Scotland
A few weeks ago, I traveled to the Orkney Islands of Scotland for a week of vocal training with Kristin Linklater! It was a truly remarkable experience for many reasons, not the least of which being the group of ten amazing people from all over the world I got to meet and work with, and the unique, almost surreal setting we were in. Orkney is the most remote place I have ever been, with a gorgeous landscape, and weather like I have never before experienced! And it is also the home of some of the kindest, loveliest people I have ever met! (Shout out to Rena Johnson, Barbara Lawrence and Yvonne Harcus! Thank you!!!
We had five full days of class, but midweek we also had a free day on which we were able to go out and explore Orkney. What an amazing day! We saw three ancient historical sites- Skara Brae, the ruins of a 5,000 (!!) year old village where you can still see the outlines of the homes and how they were layed out; the Ring of Brodgar, a ring of stones very similar to Stonehenge; and Maeshowe, a neolithic temple structure. We also got to spend the afternoon in Kirkwall, the largest city in Orkney, and see the gorgeous St. Magnus Cathedral. Overall, it was definitely a week of inspiration, and of breaking through some personal boundaries, and I am so very excited to continue my exploration of the Linklater voice work!
So that pretty much wraps up 2015! I am excited for all that is to come in the new year!! Have a very happy holiday season, and I wish you the best in 2016!
