The Cathedral Choir were delighted to perform a world premiere during Evensong last Thursday, debuting new compositions from our Assistant Director of Music Samuel Bristow.
A set of Preces and Responses, along with an anthem titled O Lord who hast formed me, featuring words by Sam’s favorite poet, George Herbert, were performed during the service. The Preces and Responses were met with such enthusiasm that several choirs have already expressed interest in performing them. Additionally, Sam has been invited to compose an organ piece for a church in Gloucestershire.
Sam’s debut as a composer marks an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. Sam contributed a short piece to cover a moment of silence during this year’s ordination services, unexpectedly discovering a passion for writing music. Encouraged by the positive response and enthusiastic support of Director of Music Emma Gibbins, he offered to compose several new pieces for the Cathedral choir this term.
Sam said: "It was a sincere pleasure to have heard my small offerings sung wonderfully by the Cathedral choir, I am incredibly grateful to Emma for having the faith in me to include them in the service, and to everyone for such warm words of encouragement. It's extremely exciting to see where this new journey as a composer will take us!"
Worshippers will have another opportunity to hear Sam’s work at the Choral Eucharist on Sunday 15th December, when the Cathedral Singers will perform his new setting of the Advent text There is no rose.