Canticles of Prominent Women in the Bible

This collection of canticles explores the lives and contributions of prominent women in the Bible, highlighting their strength, faith, and resilience.

Canticle of Elizabeth
The first canticle, performed at Durham Cathedral last year, tells the story of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. It captures her joy and disbelief at the miraculous news of her pregnancy, with a musical composition for piano and harp that conveys hope and wonder, complemented by vocal harmonies reflecting her profound faith.

Canticle of Ruth
The forthcoming 'Canticle of Ruth' will centre on themes of loyalty and redemption, echoing Ruth's commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi. Her journey from Moab to Bethlehem embodies love, sacrifice, and divine providence, expressed through a folk-inspired melodic structure that highlights her humble beginnings and significance in the lineage of David.

Canticle of the Other Mary
The 'Canticle of the Other Mary' focuses on Mary of Magdalen, celebrated as one of the first witnesses to the resurrection. This canticle will feature a dramatic musical landscape, reflecting her anguish at the crucifixion and her joy in witnessing the risen Christ. The interplay of piano, harp, and vocals will capture her emotional journey from despair to hope, emphasising her vital role in the early Christian community.

The New School Song

As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for Queen Mary School in Thirsk, a special school song is being written. The words are by the students themselves. I have the privilege of leading workshops to guide the girls through the process of crafting the lyrics, ensuring their voices and experiences are reflected in the final piece.

The song will have its first outing at Ripon Cathedral, a fitting venue to commemorate this milestone for the school. The girls' creativity and school pride will shine through as they bring this new tradition to life, marking 150 years of Queen Mary School's legacy.

This collaborative project is a wonderful opportunity for the students to leave their mark on the school's history, capturing the spirit of the institution in a musical tribute. I'm excited to work with these talented young writers and see their vision for the school song come to fruition.

A Celebration of Landscape and Community

The New Forest Song is a community-driven song-cycle that invites local voices, particularly children and young people, to celebrate the diverse beauty of the New Forest. Through a series of workshops hosted at the Countryside Education Trust’s Treehouses and local schools, participants connect with their natural surroundings and express their experiences through music.

Under the guidance of Artistic Director Elinor Cooper, a skilled singer and choral conductor, alongside composer Oliver Tarney and librettist Carrie Thompson, the project emphasizes collaboration and creativity. The New Forest Song not only aims to produce intricate and beautiful music but also seeks to instill a profound appreciation for nature within the young participants. By engaging with their environment, the initiative nurtures a sense of belonging and stewardship toward the landscape they inhabit.