Children from schools and choir from across the Bath and Wiltshire region will be performing as part of the world premiere of Stardust, a new choral work which will take place on 14 and 15 October at Bath Abbey. The event is being organised through Bath charity Voices for Life and will feature 250 children performing in front of over 1,200 people, including the charity’s patron, the Mayor of Bath.
The schools and choirs taking part are –
Moorlands Junior School
Colerne Primary School
Oldfield Park Junior School
Widcombe Junior School
St Andrew’s Church School
St Michael’s Junior School
St Julian’s Church School, Wellow
Bath Abbey Melody Makers
Stardust was commissioned by Voices for Life and written by local composer Jools Scott and librettist Sue Curtis. It is based on a confidence building story created by Voices for Life’s co-founder, Tessa Armstrong. The performance will be narrated by Jon Monie of Bath Pantomime fame and directed by Bath Abbey’s Assistant Director of Music and Voices for Life co-founder, Shean Bowers. The children will be accompanied by the world-renowned Bristol Ensemble.
Since May 2021, Tessa and Shean have been visiting schools across Bath and Wiltshire hosting weekly workshops for children aged 6 to 11. Each workshop has been uniquely designed by Tessa to engage them in the story of the new work, building their confidence at each step, while Shean has been teaching the children to find their voice through singing as a choir.
“The pandemic has had a huge impact on our young people and the Stardust performance gives 250 of our local children an opportunity to find their voice and sing to the rooftops after such a challenging 18 months,” said Tessa.
A teacher from one of the participating schools added, “The children in my class came back with big grins and lots of positive energy. I’m already looking forward to the performances in October!”
Lucy (aged 9), commented, “I really enjoy the workshops. They are really good fun and I love the story of the planets and the songs. I like how all the planets have their own feeling. It is really exciting to find out each week what is going to happen and how we are going to be able to keep going to Planet Zarg.”