The 6 Songs is a research and performance development project which originated in Amsterdam under the leadership of Monique Cornwell and took inspiration from traditional polyphonic song and the personal and social psychological benefits of group singing.  The projects purpose - to develop a training and performance method of learning to embody voice, to be fully present with our voice in space and to become aware of our voice as one within a group, leading to more detailed practices of learning how to create improvisation structures based on listening;

thus enabling a form of group improvised composition, within space and time. When we include the elements of body as architecture and movement/dance as a sound quality, we have a technique which gives potential for spontaneous improvised group music theatre.

​

The name took inspiration from the book "The World in 6 Songs" by Daniel J. Levitin, and the project had 2 main phases:

​

Phase 1: 1 year development period, intense research into sounding, improvisation based on meditative listening and composition elements, and using emotionality and themes.  There was a strong emphasis on the social aspects which revealed themselves through the sessions

​

​

Phase 2: 1 year performance residency at Maarten Luther Kerk Amsterdam.

​

Under the direction of Monique Cornwell weekly session took place for training with a group of professional interdisciplinary performers.  4 intensive session took place during the year leading to 4 performances.

Session 3 had residency on ile D'aix, France and worked in tandem with the village community.

​

Session 4 - The Raven, took place at MLK Amsterdam and received funding from Amsterdamse Fonds voor de Kunst.

​

Artistic Director : Monique Cornwell

​

List of Co-developers/Performers

​

Phase 1

Leon Beckx NL

Kristien Sonnevijlle NL

Ulrike Siems DE

​

Phase 2:

Session 1:

Sylvain Merit FR

Marije Nie NL

Sarah Kate Gardiner UK

Leon Beckx NL

Mojra - Vogelnik - Skerlj SL

​

Session 2:

Sylvain Merit FR

Marije Nie NL

Sarah Kate Gardiner UK

Mojra - Vogelnik - Skerlj SL

  

​

​

Produced With the unwavering support of :

Andreas Wohle and the MLK

Many Thanks