The students of Queen Elizabeth II High School, Peel are presenting a programme of Choral Poetry Reading and Manx Music at The House of Manannan on from 2 to 3pm on Wednesday 15th of February to celebrate Isle of Architecture.  The programme is being organised by English teacher Usha Kishore and Religious Education teacher Austin Miller in conjunction with the project. Isle of Architecture is a year-long celebration of the built environment and aims to engage the public with the Island’s rich architectural heritage and encourage debate about the future of building on the Isle of Man.  It is supported by Manx National Heritage, Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Society of Architects. 

The House of Manannan is the perfect location for such a celebration of Manx culture and in addition to preparing for their performance, the students have enjoyed learning about the architecture and history of the building, which incorporates the former Peel railway station. 

Queen Elizabeth II High School (especially Head Teacher Sue Moore), has always promoted poetry.  Previously the school has brought out a poetry anthology entitled Equality, Diversity to highlight the increasingly multicultural element of the island.   On the 15th of February, students will be reading poems of T E Brown and some poetical passages from Hall Caine’s The Little Manx Nation.  The reading will also feature Manx elements from Usha Kishore’s debut collection, On Manannan’s Isle, like the Phynnodderree and Moddey Dhoo and Manannan, the legendary God of the island.

Usha Kishore said: “I feel strongly that page poetry can be effectively staged.  The nuances of metrical variation and blends can be projected dramatically in a reading.  A choral reading would weave in the rhythms of poetry, with solo, multiple and contrapuntal voices, creating a chant like quality. The students have been working hard for their performance.”