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The Great Learning logo
The Great Learning logo
Over 50 years ago, avant-garde English composer Cornelius Cardew created an experimental and politically engaged choir composition called The Great Learning designed to be performed by people with no or little formal musical training. Cardew’s work uses texts by ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius as provocations for mindful living.
Based on Cardew’s work, The Great Learning project uses community singing - weaving words and music with simple movement - to explore questions about how society functions, and what lessons we can learn for a better future - creating new work that responds to participants own experiences and learnings.
In 2022-23, we worked with communities in Edinburgh and Cumbria to explore our experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic - how it made us think, feel and see things differently. In 2024 we will deliver further workshops in Cumbria, Edinburgh and North Tyneside to understand how The Great Learning can be used in different contexts to support communities in decision making and creative development, exploring issues that are meaningful and relevant to the communities in which we are working.
Watch our Meet Me @ Mahogany discussion about the project here.
I felt that together we had achieved something I would never have imagined possible — the idea of actually creating the outlines of a performance in just one day, with a group of people who didn’t know each other previously is incredible. I had such a great feeling of achievement. And it was huge fun along the way too.
Participant, Community Singing Day in Cumbria
I loved being surrounded by so many creative and open minded people, all willing to expose their emotions and vulnerabilities, made possible I’m sure because it felt like a very safe space.
Participant, Community Singing Day in Cumbria
Creative Community Devising Day
14 May 2023
Leith Theatre, Edinburgh
Creative Community Devising Day
7 May 2023
Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
A Community Singing Day
21 January 2023 – 10:00
Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
A Post-Pandemic Singing Day
30 July 2022 – 10:00
Pianodrome - The Old Royal High School, Edinburgh
Workshop Leaders
Frederic Wake-Walker director
Dave Camlin music leader
Emma McGordon writer
Stephen Deazley music leader
Elspeth Murray writer
The Cornelius Cardew Concerts Trust
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