250 children from Bath and Northeast Somerset will come together in Bath Abbey this week to premiere The Elements Cantata, written by composer Russell Hepplewhite and lyricist Jamila Gavin, alongside three favourites from Voices for Life’s Extraordinary! project by Bath’s writers Jools Scott and Sue Curtis.
The concerts mark the culmination of a year filled with milestones including the launch of our debut album and a musical relay with 6,000 young voices singing good luck to Team GB for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Soloist Belinda Gifford-Guy, the BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2023, will be taking to the stage, as well as Makaton performer Jess Byron, a second-year student from Norland College.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming concert, Belinda said, “I’m so excited to sing with Voices for Life in Bath Abbey. Music is so important to me; it has brought me so many opportunities and connected me with so many people. It’s great to support such a brilliant organisation which brings musical experiences to others and enables people to join together through the love of singing.”
Schools and choirs taking part in the concert include –
- Combe Down Primary School
- Roundhill Primary School
- St Andrews C of E Primary School
- St Michael’s Junior Church School
- St Stephen’s Church Primary School
- The Paragon School
- Voices for Life’s own Bath Choir whose members represent a further 11 local schools.
These groups have been working hard in workshops since March to get ready for this incredible performance.
Also premiering at the concert will be a new composition, Empowered, from the Voices for Life Bath Children’s Choir Year 6 leavers, Herbie Richards and Edith Willey.
The children will be supported by Musical Director Katrine Reimers, as well as numerous local musicians.
Tickets are on sale via Bath box office or will be available on the door.