Thursday
12 July 2007
19:00 - 21:00
Prepare to give your voice a work-out in our voice gym. Trainer Nick Ransley will be on hand to take you through your paces. You’ll see how science is saving voices across the Atlantic and here in the UK. Talk about the history of caring for the voice and see objects from the Wellcome collections.
Your voice is a precious resource. But how can we train up our voices and keep them healthy? What damages your voice, and how can the voice be restored to full health?
In a live linkup with the Keck Centre in Utah, scientist Patrick Tresco will be explaining how he grows new vocal-cord cells. Take the opportunity to ask him all you ever wanted to know about vocal-cord properties and the future possibilities of these cells in voice restoration.
Tenor Nick Ransley will take on the role of trainer in our voice gym. Accompanied by Scott Johnson on piano, Nick will lead vocal exercises and gives you tips on how to make the most of your voice, safely.
ENT surgeon Charlie Hall will then explain what’s happening in the field of voice-box transplantation. He’ll cover general aspects of voice healthcare from a clinical perspective.
Got a sore throat? Have a look at throat lozenges from the late 19th century that were used to clarify the voice. Other items brought out of the Wellcome collection for the night include phantom larynxes and an ammoniaphone. Curator Katie Maggs gives a historical perspective on looking after the voice.
We’ll wrap up the end of the evening with a harmonious group sing led by Nick Ransley and cabaret artist and MC Dusty Limits.
This event is supported by the Wellcome Trust, and is part of Sing London, a pan-London festival to unite the city in song from 29 June to 8 July
Live a little…Sing a little….Sing London!
Video
Speakers:
Charlie Hall, otolaryngologist
Katie Maggs, curator, Science Museum
Nicholas Ransley, tenor
Patrick Tresco, Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah
Facilitator:
Dusty Limits, compere and cabaret artist
Why not discuss online what you think about the science of singing, on the Dana discussion boards.