Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir

Andrew Padmore - Conductor

Molly Cochrane - Soprano

James Jenkins – Bass

The Amici Ensemble

John Thorpe - Didgeridoo

The Choristers of Wakefield Cathedral

Howard Goodall is one of the UK’s most well known and respected contemporary composers. He perhaps first came to prominence after writing the themes for two iconic TV comedy series – Blackadder and The Vicar of Dibley, but now has a substantial catalogue of work to his name for film, stage, TV and concert. He was Classic FM’s ‘composer in residence’ for several years and has presented musically themed programmes on TV and radio. He has been awarded a CBE for his services to music.

His Eternal Light was commissioned in 2008 and has received countless performances since then, making it his most popular choral composition. This unorthodox and unusual interpretation of a requiem was also envisaged as a dance piece for the Rambert Dance Company. Traditionally a prayer for the salvation of the departed soul, Goodall’s requiem centres on the living who are left behind to grieve.

The music, scored for Goodall’s favourite combination of small choir and strings, works beautifully with the composer’s careful selection of the traditional Latin text of the Requiem with powerful poetry. His intention is to seek out the healing power of music, to create a sense of solace whilst acknowledging the unbearable loss and emptiness which comes with the death of someone close, in the hope that musical expression can provide space for reflection and maybe even some comfort.

Jonathan Bielby was Director of Music and Master of the Choristers at Wakefield Cathedral for 40 years before his retirement in 2010. For part of that time, he was also the Musical Director of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir. Jonathan has composed a significant number of church and organ works as well as other choral works. He was awarded an MBE in 2011.

This Precious Earth was commissioned by the YPC at the time of Jonathan’s impending retirement and the Choir gave its world premiere performance in Wakefield Cathedral in June 2010.

The ‘inspiration’ for the work began as Wakefield, Yorkshire and other parts of the UK were hit by devastating floods in 2008 and the words ‘Climate Change’ began to more and more come in to prominence.

The work is unique and will challenge everyone present with its hard-hitting messages. It features a mixed choir, children’s choir, orchestra, two soloists (soprano and baritone), narrator, visual effects and a didgeridoo!

Not to be missed!