On Sunday 29 November, York Vocal Collective welcomes Su Hart for a full-day workshop: The Rainforest Singing of the Baka People.
Su Hart is a much-loved choir leader and world-music artist, best known as the lead singer of Baka Beyond. Since the early 1990s she has made many visits to the rainforests of Cameroon, spending significant time living, singing and learning with the Baka people, experiences that have profoundly shaped her musical approach and repertoire.
The Baka people’s rainforest singing style called “Yelli” is an interlocking form. It is the most ancient of singing, and is heard throughout the forests of Central Africa. It was developed to enchant the forest animals ensuring luck in the hunt, to navigate the forests, to help heal illness and argument, and to soothe loss or a crying baby. We will learn this technique and other song styles learned first hand in the forest.
Expect singing that’s rhythm-rich, embodied and uplifting. Songs are taught by ear, with a strong emphasis on pulse, interlocking parts, and that special “group lift” you get when harmony, rhythm and community all click at once.
When: Sunday 29 November 2026, 10:30am to 5pm
Where: St Lawrence Church Hall, York YO10 3WP
Tickets: Early Bird £42 until Thursday 29 October (then £55). Concession £33, Supporter £65.
This workshop is part of the York Vocal Collective series, with more coming in 2027: Ali Burns (7 February), Tsungai Tsikirai (7 March), Thomas Fournil (2 May), Rosie Sleightholme (6 June) and Chris Rowbury (24 October).
