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Reviews of Womansong
Article: November 2008 Our State:
Down Home in North Carolina
"Womansong presents inspiring and comforting music. 'It's a basic, simple repertoire and one that our women write themslves,' [Director Debbie] Nordeen says... 'And we also feature local women songwriters and arrangers. This is unique.'
"Recently, we've also embraced our mountain roots,' she continues. 'We're so lucky: One woman recently moved here from Chapel Hill who plays the fiddle.' She joins others who play the dulcimer, banjo, upright bass, piano and drums. 'We have come back to some mountain roots with songs we perform. North Carolina has an incredible musical heritage.'"
Article: May 12, 2006 in Asheville Citizen-Times
I am woman, hear me sing
Independent, all-female chorus gives concert this weekend
by Jess Clarke, jclarke@CITIZEN-TIMES.com
No uniforms for their concerts, though they follow a color theme.
“Some people wouldn’t be caught dead in a dress. Others want to wear something that really makes them look hot,” artistic director Debbie Nordeen says.
Article: June 12, 2002 in Mountain Express
Unity despite diversity
Choral group shares message of love and acceptance
by Christi Hallis
They are doctors, teachers, bus drivers and homemakers – some married, some single, some old, some young. They are diverse, but they are unified – and they sing in harmony. They are Womansong, Asheville's oldest and largest women's community chorus.
The group was established in 1986 by Linda Metzner, a local teacher and composer, as a place for women to support each other through song. Debbie Nordeen, the group's current director, asserts that the mission is still the same.
Article:June 2, 1999 in Mountain Express
Healing with harmony
Womansong hosts two nights of singing at the Diana Wortham Theatre
by Melanie McGee
"I always tell members, 'Songs are like medicine for your soul,'" says Womansong director Debbie Nordeen.
For her, this is significantly more than a charming adage. While hospitalized some years back, Nordeen drew great comfort from a certain traditional ballad, titled "How Can I Keep From Singing?" Written in 1864 by Anne Warner, the song – perhaps rooted in N.C.'s Iredell County – was resurrected in 1957 by one Doris Plenn, who, with the McCarthy hearings in mind, added the following verse: "When tyrants tremble sick with fear and hear their death knells ringing; When friends rejoice
both far and near, how can I keep from singing? In prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging; When friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing?"
Love letters:
Oct 24, 2004 - Dear Debbie and all members of Womansong:
It was a thrill and a delight to be at your wonderful concert on Friday night. Your voices sounded fantastic, just like the review said, "the finest female voices in Asheville." You deserve the reputation! I was personally affected by the hurricanes with some huge tree falls and power outages, and I felt that the flood relief theme was very healing for the entire community. And I thank you so much for dedicating the Yemaya songs to me. I am very moved by these songs, and am always grateful
to be part of Her worship. It is such a joy to see Womansong continue to develop all these skills in so many fantastic women.
Much love, Linda Metzner
Oct 25, 2004 - BRAVO!!! I attended your concert Saturday night and was absolutely delighted and fully entertained. No wonder audiences love Womansong so much! Saturday night showed the jewel that I am usually fortunate enough to be a part of. You all are wonderful. You were polished, cohesive, spirited, and in wonderful voice. A pure pleasure to listen to! Visually, the show was very well blocked, so congratulations, Debbie and all who
see to such
things. You all looked so beautiful in those jewel tones, too. --Holly
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