Music and Poetry

At the end of 2016, after several years of mutual admiration, the award-winning acoustic group, Whalebone asked me to work with them on a new kind of performance, combining their original music and my poetry. We spent several months experimenting, and we were astonished at how easily the words and music blended and then transformed each other. In March 2017, we launched Flocks of Words – the performance at Wenlock Books, to a standing-room-only crowd.

The performance consisted of two 45-minute sets, each of approximately nine interwoven tunes and poems. The interaction of the verse and music was immersive and moving, exploring universal themes such as mythic landscapes, the connection of people to countryside, the beauty of the seasons, and the joy of community.

Working with Whalebone changed the way I think about my poems. And it was a powerful joy to work with such talented and professional musicians. The tour of 'Flocks of Words' is now finished, but watch this space for future projects!


Flocks of Words, Kare Innes

Flocks of Words – Pure/Snowfall

Listen to an Interview with Genevieve Tudor of the BBC Radio Shropshire Folk Show

Past Performances from 2019:

 March 13th - Much Wenlock U3A - Priory Hall 2pm

April 5th - Quatt Village Hall  - 7:30pm £10

May 4th - Culmington Church - 7:30pm (ticket details to follow)

May 9th - Nuneaton Library - 7:30pm £3 in advance, £5 on the door

June 7th - Knowbury Church - Ludlow -  7:30pm (ticket details to follow)

July 19th  - Cound Church - 7:30pm - (ticket details to follow)

Flocks of Words kicks off the Ludlow Weekend of Words Festival 20/10/17

Flocks of Words kicks off the Ludlow Weekend of Words Festival 20/10/17

Reviews:

“Just wanted to share our gratitude for the wonderful performance this afternoon. Once the event began the atmosphere seemed to change and everyone tuned in to this beautiful, relaxing soundscape. I will be recommending this to other libraries. Hopefully we will plan another soon.”

Ronnie Stirton - Shropshire Libraries, July 2017

“The interplay of Kate's beautifully pitched, evocative poems and the haunting music had a very profound effect on me. Many thanks for a memorable experience.”

Diane Finlayson – Harley Reading Group, July 2017

“Thank you for opening the festival in style this year!”

Ludlow Assembly Rooms – Weekend of Words Festival October 2017

Flocks of Words - hibernating for now:

We performed in libraries, village halls, country park centres, bookshops, assembly rooms and cafés.

We hope one day to collaborate again and bring you a new, unique performance combining poetry and music.