Bob Chilcott - Birdland

BC238
This engaging musical drama follows the quest of Pip the Sparrow to be accepted into the
Dawn Chorus. Along the way Pip encounters characters like the Doc Rock Peacocks, who
promise to transform the sparrow into a star—at high personal cost—and the troubled
residents of The Bewilderness. With the help of two friendly owls, Pip meets the fabled singing
sensation Shamira the Golden Nightingale and discovers a great secret, causing the sparrow to
at last understand the importance and power of having a song that is completely their own.
As well as presenting a rich variety of solo roles, which also feature spoken narration, the work
provides great dramatic potential for the unison and mixed choruses, who play an integral
role in the storytelling. The memorable, eminently singable melodies are complimented by
a characterful orchestration, for ten-part instrumental ensemble, with Chilcott drawing on
a broad range of musical styles. Exploring themes of identity, inclusivity, and self-belief, this
heart-warming work is a testament to the unifying, healing power of music.
Also available:
Birdland Rehearsal Pack (ISBN 978–0–19–354015–6)
- Photocopiable unison part
- Photocopiable lyric sheets
- Access to a companion website, featuring downloadable audio rehearsal tracks
Photo: © Vicky Alhadeff
has been involved with choral music all his life,
first as a Chorister and then a Choral Scholar at King’s College,
Cambridge. Later, he sang and composed music for twelve
years with the King’s Singers. His experiences with that group,
his passionate commitment to young and amateur choirs, and his
profound belief that music can unite people, have inspired him
both to compose full-time and, through proactive workshopping,
to promote choral music worldwide.
For more details about Bob Chilcott and his music, please contact
Oxford University Press, Music Department.
Cover illustration by Ana Marques
1
ISBN 978-0-19-352300-5
9 780193 523005