The 17 is a choir. Every performance given by the choir may have a completely different line up.. The music made by The 17, can be performed by people with extensive musical experience or none whatsoever. It is not popular music. It does not rely on melody, harmony or rhythm. It will never be recorded for posterity or broadcast. It will not be commodified by the music industry. There will be no audience, it exist only to be experienced by the performers.

During the months of April and May 2006 Bill Drummond will be working with numerous line ups of The 17 on scores he has composed specifically for the choir. Members of the choir can be of all ages and from all walks of life. The performances will take place at funerals, schools, prisons, weddings, and in numerous other public spaces. Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery will be used as the hub of The 17’s activities in the region. It will act as a workshop, rehearsal room and performance space. There will also be on display in the Hatton, and available to the public, the scores of all the compositions being performed.

If you are interested in becoming a member of The 17 and think you have a voice that can hold a note and are willing to project it, please email seventeen@penkiln-burn.com Remember, no previous experience necessary.

To have a better understanding of the music to be performed by The 17 please visit www.penkiln-burn.com and click on The 17 and 17 SCORES.