Chorus

John Rutter Celebrate

John Rutter Celebrate the music of John Rutter in 2020 ‘the most gifted composer of his generation.’ Sir David Willcocks ‘Choral music is not one of life’s frills. It’s something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls.’ John Rutter 8 Explore John Rutter’s complete catalogue on the OUP website

New Sacred works choral by Bob repertoire Chilcott Photo credit: John Bellars Birdland A musical drama for soloists, unison voices, SATB chorus, and instrumental ensemble With a story and texts by Charles Bennett, this engaging musical drama follows the quest of Pip the Sparrow to be accepted into the Dawn Chorus. Along the way Pip meets singing sensation Shamira the Golden Nightingale and discovers a great secret, causing the sparrow to at last understand the power of having a song that is completely his own. As well as the rich variety of solo roles, which 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 complemented by a characterful orchestration. Exploring themes of identity, inclusivity, and self-belief, this heart-warming work is a testament to the unifying, healing power of music. • Rehearsal pack with photocopiable unison part and lyrics • Access to companion website with downloadable audio rehearsal tracks as part of the rehearsal pack • 10-part orchestral ensemble with parts available on hire/rental • 45 minute work ranging in difficulty from Very Easy to Moderately Difficult Vocal score: 978-0-19-352300-5 | Publishing August 2020 Score and parts (rent): 978-0-19-354004-0 This year, Bob is looking forward to a number of important performances of his latest works. In May, Bob will be attending the Sing for Peace Kyoto 2020 Chorus Festival, accompanied by chamber choir Commotio and NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Choir. His new piece Make me a channel of your peace will be premiered at the Festival. In June, both Birdland and Lightwaves will be premiered; the former by hundreds of school children in Norwich and Oxford (UK), and the latter at PicFest in Oregon (USA). Last autumn, Bob Chilcott took up a new role as Principal Conductor of Birmingham University Singers. Choirs at the University hold a national reputation as some of the finest in the UK, and have worked with many distinguished conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Marin Alsop, Edward Gardner, Simon Carrington, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, and John Wilson. Circlesong 978-0-19-354043-9 | Publishing July 2020 Lightwaves A work of epic proportions, this is a complete life cycle based on poetry of indigenous tribes of North America. Each movement focuses on a different stage of life, from birth and childhood through adulthood and middle age to death. Tribal rhythmic sections are contrasted with tender, simple melodies and glorious climactic moments for full choir. A powerful work and an exciting showpiece for large youth or adult choirs. Upper voices, SATB, and piano, or 2 pianos and percussion (4 players) 40 mins, Easy–Moderately Difficult In another successful collaboration between Bob Chilcott and poet Charles Bennett, Lightwaves sees the exploration of light, in its many forms and uses, from stars to electricity and photosynthesis. Both piano and voices are used pictorially, in a musical setting that contrasts moments of high energy and tranquility. SATB and piano 15 mins, Easy 978-0-19-353530-5 | Publishing July 2020 To listen to recordings, visit www.oup.com/sheetmusic or search on Spotify 9