Residents are being given the chance to join the 250 voices choir and be the first to sing a new song marking 250 years of Amazing Grace.
Organisers of Amazing Grace 250 – a year-long programme of activity and special events inspired by the 250th anniversary of the hymn, Amazing Grace – are inviting singers to join the 250 Voices Choir which, on 17 June, will give the first public performance of a new song commissioned to mark the milestone anniversary.
This special choir will perform a song from Forever?, a new, contemporary musical response to the original hymn with music by renowned composer Roderick Williams and words by celebrated poet Rommi Smith.
The song will be performed as part of Milton Keynes Community Choirs’ Festival in Campbell Park and the Choir will be led by acclaimed musical director, Craig McLeish.
Already signed up to join the 250 Voices Choir are Gospel choir MK Sweet Sound – created as part of Amazing Grace 250 – and MK Community Choir.
For singers who are not currently members of a local choir, there is an opportunity to learn the piece at workshops taking place in Olney on 17th May, 7th June and 14th June and to be part of the performance on 17th June.
Craig McLeish said: “If you’re not already a member of one of the choirs taking part in the Festival you can still join in the first ever sing of Song 8 from Forever?.
"If you have experience of choral singing that is great but anyone with singing experience is welcome. You can sing all or even just a part of the piece and it will be a valuable contribution. Let’s commemorate this amazing anniversary in a fitting way - singing some wonderful music!”
Amanda Molcher, Trustee of the Cowper & Newton Museum, Olney which is leading the Amazing Grace 250 programme, said: “On New Year’s Day 2023 – 250 years since Reverend John Newton (1725-1807) wrote Amazing Grace for his New Year’s Day service at St Peter and St Paul Church, Olney in 1773 – people from around the world marked the moment by singing Amazing Grace.”
“As our year of activity continues, there’s now an opportunity to be the first to sing a new work which explores what Amazing Grace means to people today as a hymn and a song, and through the life of John Newton – a naval seaman and slave ship captain, clergyman and figure in Britain’s Abolitionist Movement.”
Amanda continued: “Revisiting Amazing Grace has been a wonderful opportunity to consider and explore the legacy of this iconic hymn and of its author – and this new song from Forever? will be part of a lasting legacy of this extraordinary year.”
The full world premiere of Forever? will be given by Chineke! Chamber Ensemble at The Stables, Milton Keynes on 22 July 2023 as part of this years IF: Milton Keynes International Festival (21-30 July).
In addition and as part of the Amazing Grace 250 programme, musicians from the acclaimed Chineke! Orchestra will deliver music workshops in local schools this term.
For further information about joining the 250 Voices Choir, click here.
