CrossCurrents: Birmingham University Singers & University Upper Voices

• Bob Chilcott conductor
• Mariana Rosas conductor

Toby Young’s Beauty, commissioned for CrossCurrents and receiving its world premiere in this evening’s concert, sets the words of Birmingham-born Constance Naden. An alumnus of the University (or rather, our predecessor institution Mason Science College), Naden was a female poet and philosopher at a time when women were only just beginning to be permitted a university-level education. The theme of beauty runs through this programme, with works taking inspiration from nature, humanity and philosophy, influences as old as time and still relevant in our time.

Birmingham University Singers

• Kerry Andrew All things are quite silent
• Jonathan Dove Answer July from The Passing of the Year
• Toby Young Beauty (World premiere)
• Dobrinka Tabakova Good-will to men, and peace on Earth
• Joel Thompson The Rose
• Judith Bingham The Drowned Lovers
• Stanford The Bluebird

University Upper Voices

• Sarah Quartel This we know
• Kerry Andrew Charm
• Bianca Maria Furgeri Ego flos campi
• Becky McGlade Change upon change
• Reena Esmail Tuttarana
• Jennifer Mahler The Tide
• Tracy Wong JAM!