The Avalonian Free State Choir

The Avalonian Free State Choir is an unaccompanied natural voice choir with a repertoire of songs from all around the world, including salsa vocal percussion, the awe-inspiring stillness of sacred songs from Georgia and the heartbreaking melodies from Bulgaria. The thrill of listening to them comes from clear bright harmonies that are uplifting to the soul. The choir was founded in 1992 by Tim Hall to sing traditional and contemporary English folk songs and carols. Sue Palmer led the choir from 1993-96, introducing Balkan and Georgian songs to the repertoire. From 1996 it has been led by Sally Pullinger, who widened further both their repertoire and the range of venues at which they sing. The choir is run as a collective and is merit based. The greatest thing about the Avalonian Free State Choir for me, is their incredible enthusiasm and the way they translate music into a joyful and almost theatrical experience. Michael Eavis, 2004 The choir regularly sings in Wells Cathedral and at the ‘Celebration of Voice’ festival at Stourhead Gardens, where it has been much praised, yet also sings for the Women’s Institute and at three local Respite Homes. The choir also sings at prestigious events such as the Crop Circle Conference, the Big Green Gathering and the Sunrise Festival. They perform regularly at Glastonbury Music Festival and have performed on the main stage three times. The choir won the 2002 local Ian Ritchie Talent Show award at Strode College. Highlights of the choir’s experiences include live Channel 4 coverage of Glastonbury Festival and singing with Julie Felix at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The choir has a reputation for a unique and varied repertoire, stunning tunes and a high standard of a capella singing.