Page 17 - We'll Sing Coverage Book

were commissioned to set the poems to music. Both composers spent time discussing the

poems with Armitage to gain a deeper understanding of their meaning.
Members of Huddersfield Choral Society were able to rehearse and record the new works

together in small groups in October, in accordance with government guidelines, alongside

virtual rehearsals. Century Films was commissioned to create bespoke videos to accompany
the choir’s recordings of the new pieces, which will receive their online world premiere on 28

November. The event will also include discussions with key collaborators from the project.

Simon Armitage commented: ‘It’s been a great pleasure to write songs for my local world-
famous choir! I wanted to catch some of the mood of lockdown in the lyrics, both the

difficulties people have gone through and the great resilience they’ve shown. The pandemic

has been devastating for the creative arts but especially hard on singers, with the world
reduced to whispers and masked mumblings. I didn’t just want to put words in their mouths, I

wanted to put air in their lungs and blood in their hearts!’

Gregory Batsleer, director of Huddersfield Choral Society, added: ‘For the first time in its
184-year history, Huddersfield Choral Society was silenced. We were devastated to lose two

of our members to Covid and wanted to create something that provides hope but also
demonstrates the importance of embracing innovation. The lyrics Simon has written are so

poignant, made even more so as the members are the root of the inspiration. I’m thrilled to

share these beautiful new works with music by the brilliant Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Daniel
Kidane.’

Watch the online premieres on 28 November at wellsing.huddersfieldchoral.com