A Drop of Nelson’s Blood

Our concert programme consisted of a collection of sea shanties arranged by Ian Assersohn, and two more contemporary sea songs: Harbour (words and music by Anna Tabbush) which was written in response to the Syrian refugee crisis this beautiful song resonates today
where people are displaced by conflict and seek a harbour and a safe haven, and Crossing the Bar – with words by Alfred Lord Tennyson and music by Craig McLeish
The lyrics of sea shanties often evoke images of home, complete with ‘fair maidens’. That’s because the sailors working on ships would be working away for months on end. So, it’s only fair that they sang about the women they were missing while they were sobbing into their beers.
Today, shanties are still sung by fishermen and seamen. But they’re also performed more regularly in pubs, particularly on the southwest coast of England.
We sang 8 shanties – some with the familiar names of Maggie May, Spanish Ladies, and The Capstan Bar.

The tenors and basses (of whom we have only a few) played a major part in the programme – showcasing their talents!
Chris, one of our altos, was game enough to act the part of a fair maid from Amsterdam in A Rovin’ – in Amsterdam there lived a maid – mark well what I do say! And she was mistress of her trade……
Emily on flute and Julie on piano provided the music, and we were led by our wonderful music director, Rachel, who encouraged the audience to join in the refrains. We had a fantastic night. Thanks to Classical Sheffield for hosting us and everyone who came along to support us.