Head boy and girl choristers, Hugh Latta and Orla Donoghue, give their thoughts on the events of the new music wells 76-16 festival.
Hello my name is Hugh Latta and I am Head Boy Chorister at Wells Cathedral. At Evensong this evening I was very privileged to be singing in the first performance of a new anthem by Judith Weir CBE as part of new music wells 76-16. I really enjoyed singing this piece because I thought the words were very meaningful, such as:
'Dove by dove, He calls
To set each on the golden walls:''
The text is a poem written by Christina Rossetti (1830-94). The music was beautiful and had a lot of dynamic change, including some hushed, tranquil moments. It was exciting to sing, especially in front of the composer. We have been rehearsing for this performance for most of this week and was a special way to finish this half term.
Hugh Latta
We are used to not having a lot of time to rehearse some of the pieces we sing, but it is unusual to premiere two new pieces in one week (as the girls have done this week). We are very lucky to have music written for us and it is particularly special to be able to sing music composed by people who have been to the same school as us, as well well as by well-known composers such as Judith Weir. We are very grateful to the Cathedral commissioners who make this happen.
Orla Donoghue
Matthew Owens conducts the rehearsal of Judith Weir's new work as the composer looks on
Judith Weir CBE with Matthew Owens and the choristers (above)
The head choristers ask the composer to sing their scores (below)
