About Levow an Bys

Levow an Bys is a community choir based in Penzance in Cornwall. It meets once a week on Wednesday evenings during term-time. The choir is open to anyone over the age of 16 who would like to come along and sing in a friendly supportive atmosphere. The name 'Levow an Bys' is Cornish and means World Voices, reflecting the varied nature of the songs we sing.

The choir has been in existence since the summer of 2005.  A group of people decided they wanted to keep singing when their Adult Education evening class was dropped. They formed a committee, got some funding from the Community Box, arranged a venue, and asked Michele Brown to continue as their musical director. The choir has been growing in strength and confidence ever since. New members have come and gone over time but we have a group of over 35 regulars.

Some people only manage to attend two or three times a term, but that's fine. The idea is to enjoy the singing and the company.  There is no pressure to reach professional performance standards here but we do work on our building our confidence and improving our technique in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

We perform three or four times a year at events and venues such as the Golowan Festival, Lafrowda Day, the Eden Project and St Mary's Church, Penzance. We are currently developing an exciting link with a recently formed group of singers in Mullion - Mullion Voices - that started from another cancelled evening class in Helston. We have already had a couple of very enjoyable joint performances and plan to do others in the future.

 

In April 2009 Michele Brown stood down as musical director. She is now concentrating on singing, composing and recording with the Foggy Bottom String Band.

In June 2009 Pip Wright who sings and plays with local band Bagas Porthia became musical director of Levow an Bys. She's continuing to work with the choir in the same spirit and with the same ethos as Michele - singing together for enjoyment and relaxation while gradually gaining confidence and skills. If that appeals, you're very welcome to come and join us.