The Embodied Voice Choir Lisbon

New music for voice and movement
Sep-Nov, 2025

This isn’t your typical choir! Expect new music for voice and movement with a strong focus on embodiment and creativity. Over these four sessions we will train up our singing bodies and learn new music composed by facilitator Kate Smith.

Part 1 – The Warmup

We’ll begin with half an hour of somatic voice-and-body practices designed to:

Release tension and improve functionality
Foster a regulated nervous system primed for learning
Explore the singing body as a full system, from micro (tongue, jaw, diaphragm, pelvis, feet) to macro (whole-body singing and movement)

This is a gentle, holistic, and surprisingly powerful way to connect body and voice.

Part 2 – The Songs

We’ll dive into these expansive and experimental new choir pieces that Kate has been writing, involving:

Multi-voice acappella singing
Vocal games and improvisation
Movement in space

Kate has a rare ability to create a learning space that feels both musically challenging and very nurturing. I loved the originality of the compositions she brought to the group.
Kate was able to break down complex material into small manageable steps, and provide sensitive corrections where needed. Her warmth and clarity instilled confidence in the group, and there was a feeling of ease in the room, even though we were working with polyrhythm, harmonic slides etc. which could easily have stressed a group of learners.
In short, I think Kate is a wonderful facilitator, especially for singers who are interested in developing their 'vocal musicianship', and training the voice as a musical instrument.'

Kate released an EP Songs from the Body in 2023, with live performances in Lisbon (Voz Unbound) and London (Songs from the Body). Her approach to voice is inspired by artists like Meredith Monk, Caroline Shaw, and the Humanophones. We will be learning new pieces with the potential for further development and performance in Lisbon in 2026.

🎶 Curious? Watch a preview here: Video Link, or listen to Songs from the Body here: Bandcamp Link.

“A gorgeous EP…the whole thing is marvellous.”
— Rick Stuart, Roots & Fusion

Who is it for?

No audition required.
BUT! You should be comfortable holding harmony against other voices and keeping rhythm.
No sight-reading needed—we’ll learn everything by ear.

If you’re unsure whether it’s the right fit, come to the trial session (Sept 30, 7–9pm) by donation and see how it feels!

Details & Booking

Book Now

Price

Trial session (Sept 30): Donation (min. 5 EUR)

4-Session Term (Oct–Nov): Sliding scale

40 EUR → I’m skint (students, artists, low income)
60 EUR → I’m getting by (some expendable income)
80 EUR → Pay it forward (financially secure, maybe on an intl salary, support an integrated and diverse Lisbon!)

Professional singers: Pay what you can, including free if needed.
(Professional = working artist who performs with voice, whether part-time, full-time, or occasionally.)

Location

Piscina (search “Forum Dança” on Google Maps — we share the space but are not part of Forum Dança).
A Piscina @Espaço da penha
Tv. do Calado 26B, 1170-070 Lisboa

Dates & Timings:

Introductory Trial Session

Tuesday, Sept 30, 7–9pm

4-Session Term

Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28 & Nov 4, 7–9pm