This winter, let music melt the chill and lift your spirits with Narthen's heartwarming sounds. Enjoy the rich tapestry of polyphonic, four-part unaccompanied carols from Yorkshire and beyond, alongside lively tunes that’ll have you tapping your feet and ready to dance. Their seasonal repertoire promises everything from rousing traditional carols to cheeky, irreverent songs about pheasants and the winter season's playful side. This isn’t just music—it’s a joyful journey designed to thaw the coldest of nights and warm your heart.
With a multi-instrumental lineup, Narthen delivers an astonishing range of sounds that bring humor, charm, and an infectious sense of fun. Expect the unexpected from these “mighty” performers, a title they earned after a standout performance at Folk Weekend Oxford lastyear.
In Yorkshire dialect, “Narthen” is a way of saying “Now then!” or “What’s happening?” And what’s happening is a lineup of songs and tunes as diverse as the artists themselves. Drawing from traditional folk to modern influences, their music combines tight vocal harmonies with an impressive array of instruments. Each artist sings and plays with an authenticity that reflects their unique style and musicality. Instruments span from soprano sax, clarinet, and whistles to fiddle, viola, hammered dulcimer, tenor guitar, diatonic accordion, and hurdy-gurdy, making every performance an eclectic and unforgettable experience.
Meet the performers:
Jo Freya: Soprano Sax, Clarinet, Whistles, Vocals
Fi Fraser: Hammered Dulcimer, Fiddle, Vocals
Sarah Matthews: Violin, Viola, Vocals
Doug Eunson: Diatonic Accordion, Hurdy-Gurdy, Vocals