– written in response to the pandemic & its impact on young people
On 14th and 15th October Bath charity ‘Voices for Life’ will present the world premiere of ‘Stardust’ a new choral work, to be sung by 250 children from across Bath and Wiltshire.
Voices for Life’s unique programme has taken local school children on a confidence boosting journey through the solar system, which will culminate with performances in front of over 1200 people in the magnificent Bath Abbey. The charity will also be welcoming their new patron, the Mayor of Bath to the concert.
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 whilst at the same time Shean has been teaching the children to find their voice through singing as a choir.
Tessa Armstrong, ‘Voices for Life’ co-founder, said
‘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.'
A Teacher from one of the participating schools said: '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 (9) Singer: ‘
"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."
Tickets: Tickets for Stardust are available from Bath Box Office
Participating Schools/Choirs: The following schools are participating in the programme:
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
For further information please contact Tessa Armstrong at tessa@voicesforlife.org.uk or Shean Bowers at shean@voicesforlife.org.uk,
The Voices for Life website is: www.voicesforlife.org.uk
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