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You can feel the difference between a choir that’s technically fine and a choir that communicates every word. That’s the gap we explore with Jonathan Bligh, founder and artistic director of Festival Statesmen Chorus, as he shares the real work behind building a world-class choral sound.

We trace Jonathan’s path from boy chorister at St Peter’s Cathedral to scholarships, school ensemble formation, and life-changing training abroad. Along the way, we unpack what “culture first” actually looks like in a rehearsal room: who thrives, why willingness to learn matters, and how playing the long game makes a difference.

From barbershop to contemporary a cappella to sacred repertoire, Jonathan explains how FSC’s versatility presented both strengths and programming challenges, and why heart, contrast, and connection to text is worth the time and effort. We also make vocal pedagogy practical for choir leaders and singers by starting with safe fundamentals: basic voice science, alignment, efficiency, and choosing advice that fits the particularities of body and genre.

The interview concludes with FSC performing Frank Ticheli’s beautiful Earth Song. If this episode encouraged you or sparked an idea for your choir, subscribe, share this with a fellow singer, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

VOCAL PEDAGOGY LINKS

• Dr Dan Robinson (based in QLD) - www.youtube.com/@DrDanRobinson
• Estill Voice Training - Level 1 and 2 is good* https://estillvoice.com/find-a-course/ *Just spend some time on learning the physiology of the voice beforehand so that you're not overwhelmed.
• Dr Sam Webster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtqpyzS48zA&t=263s
• Historical perspectives of singing - Brenton Coffin and Stephen Austin -https://www.thepracticalpedagogue.com/about - they'll cover the heavy hitters Garcia and Lamperti.
• Modern Lens - Ingo Titze, Kenneth Bozeman, Scott McCoy
• Thomas Hemsley's singing and imagination.
• Accent method is good for breathing (based in Australia)

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