Sarah Morgan Tribute
Dr Sarah Morgan 1948 -2013
Sarah Morgan was a linchpin of the English traditional folk scene. What began as a musical interest, led her through a capella harmony singing with, Don Morgan, Mary Eagle, Bread & Roses and Hen Party, to the trio Craig, Morgan, Robson.
As a committed supporter of Whitby Folk Week, Sarah led the harmony workshops for the Festival Choir for many years with English folk song at the heart of the repertoire – including many of her own arrangements. She created an event so valued that participants attended year after year, renewing friendships and sharing the joys of singing together in fun and creative ways. For many people these workshops were the highlight of their festival experiences. The harmony workshops still continue under the guidance of Carolyn Robson and Moira Craig.
As well as her many musical and other interests, Sarah decided she wanted to continue her education and completed an English degree as a mature student at Reading University. Wanting to continue her education beyond this and inspired by her passion for the inclusion of English folk song, Sarah completed her doctoral submission in last weeks of her life but unfortunately, she died before the results were available. Her PhD was awarded posthumously by Winchester University and her thesis, Community Choirs – A Musical Transformation: A Review of My Work in Management, Music, Choir Leadership and Folk Song is available through Winchester University Library. Part of the viva is available to watch on https://youtu.be/72wH_qLAGYk
In 2013 Sarah appeared at Whitby Folk Week for the last time having been given the devastating news that she had cancer and led her last festival Choir workshop. Her last public performance was as Craig Morgan Robson at the Coliseum theatre.
The Sarah Morgan Foundation (www.sarahmorganfoundation.org) was created in 2013 to honour Sarah’s inspirational work to make small awards for projects promoting the inclusion of English traditional or contemporary folk song in the community choir repertoire or in a broader artistic, social and educational context.
Dr Sarah Morgan who died in 2013 from cancer aged 65