Schoolchildren from Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge and Berrow are among 200 youngsters from across the county who are to stage a performance of a musical celebrating Somerset life.
The first musical evening proved so popular when it was held at Wells Cathedral in February that Somerset Music, Somerset County Council’s music service, has invited singers and musicians to stage a repeat performance at the Colston Hall in Bristol on Saturday September 23rd.
Waters of Time celebrates the landscape, history, legends and myths of the Sedgemoor and Mendip areas through songs that have been researched by the musical writer Marilyn Floyde.
Among those taking part are children from Berrow and Brent Knoll from the Robert Blake Science College, youngsters from Burnham-On-Sea’s King Alfred School and St Joseph’s school, plus Highbridge’s St John’s School.
There are songs about Glastonbury, the Witch of Wookey Hole, the Battle of Sedgemoor, and the age-old power struggles between church and state in Wells.
The vibrant music, composed by Ronald Corp (pictured right), who grew up in Wells, draws on a variety of traditions ranging from the simplicity of folk tunes to the full resounding power of grandiose choruses.
Students of all ages from more than 50 Somerset schools and including the Somerset County Youth Choir, will be joining their voices with adults from the community, including members of the well-established Somerset Chamber Choir and Canticle – Somerset County Council’s own choir. The orchestra will be led by professional players from Somerset Music, and Ronald Corp will conduct the performance.
Graham Bland, Director of Somerset Music, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The performance in February received wide critical acclaim, and the Bristol concert will give people who missed the premiere the chance to see this unforgettable event. It is a mark of the progress in singing that has been made in Somerset thanks to the continuation of the Music Standards Fund.”
Alan Gloak, Chairman of Somerset County Council, added: “I was completely bowled over by the world premiere in February. I am delighted that it is now going to Bristol, and very much hope that people will come to this concert which draws together so many members of our community.”
The performance will run from 7pm until about 8.30pm. Tickets, which cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s, will be available from July 3rd from the Colston Hall Box Office on 0117 922 3686 or by booking online at www.colstonhall.org.
