“WASSAIL! has to be summed up as pure heart-warming festive joy! How do we follow that?”
“Working with Alexander L’Estrange is a great ‘fit’; his music brings people together to celebrate the very best of the British choral tradition. Having performing the largest ever Zimbe! At the Lyceum theatre in 2016, we know that Wassail! will inspire even more of our students and staff to sing – developing their confidence, improving their well-being and providing an experience that they will never forget.”
Wassail!
What is Wassail?
Wassail! is a sequence of choral arrangements of uplifting traditional carols, both sacred and secular. It also includes one new song by Joanna & Alexander L’Estrange, Spring will come again. It is the composer’s intention that the piece be performed in its entirety but the songs also work as stand-alone numbers within the context of a Christmas concert or service. Wassail/wassailing itself means many things: a drink, a cup, a dance, a celebration, carol-singing…!
What is it scored for?
SATB choir, unison children’s choir, jazz quintet (piano, bass, drums, accordion & recorder)
Do I need to have a jazz quintet to perform it?
Yes but you don’t need to find the musicians yourself. You can hire Alexander L’Estrange’s Call Me Al Quintet. For more information, send us a message via the Contact page.
I’m interested, show me the music!
You can view the vocal score in full here.
What does my choir need and how much does it cost?
You need a set of vocal scores and a set of band parts to perform Wassail! which are published by Faber Music. If your performance is taking place in the UK, please see the information below. If you're outside the UK, please email marketing@fabermusic.com who will be able to able to assist you.
Vocal Scores may be hired from Faber Music at a cost of £2.75 per copy, per month. This includes a licence for one performance. The fee for each additional month of hire is £1 per copy. Copies for use in a workshop (singing day) can be hired for £1.30 per copy. Vocal scores are also available for purchase from Faber Music or your local music retailer. The RRP for buying individual scores is currently £13.99 per copy but please ask your retailer about bulk discounts. Why not start by emailing sales@fabermusic.com
The Instrumental Score & Parts are only available for hire at a cost of £240 per month. This includes a licence for one performance. The fee for each additional month of hire is £45. An additional performance is £90.
A Children's Choir Part, complete with rehearsal audio is available to download HERE.
If you need to take any of this information away to discuss with your choir or committee, simply download the organiser's pack below.
Is there anything to help my choir learn the piece?
Yes, part-learning tracks for the SATB choir are available from the CD/Download Store.
Workshop Opportunities
Why not book Alexander L’Estrange to come and work with your SATB choir and/or children’s choir prior to your performance? For more information see the Workshop Leader page.
Where is Wassail being Performed?
If you're unsure about anything we'll be glad to help. Just send us a message.