Crouch End Festival Chorus, James McCarthy, Erica Eloff, Jennifer Johnston (1), Alan Oke, Ashley Riches, City of London School for Girls Senior Choir, Hornsey School for Girls Choir, St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School Choir, London Orchestra da Camera, David Temple

“I think of it often and imagine the scene clearly. Even if they come to kill me, I will tell them what they are trying to do is wrong, that education is our basic right.” Malala Yousafzai

This October, Crouch End Festival Chorus presents a well-matched programme of works exploring the theme of oppression: the enduringly powerful A Child of Our Time by Sir Michael Tippett and a new commission, Malala, from rising star James McCarthy.

Malala is CEFC’s fourth commission in this, its 30th anniversary year. Malala Yousafzai was just 15 years old when she was shot by the Taliban in Pakistan for her outspoken views on the right of girls to be educated. McCarthy found such a powerful message in her story that he was inspired to write music which not only celebrates her courage but also taps the raw emotion behind the events of 2012.

In an effort to represent the story with truth and sensitivity, he collaborated with Karachi-based novelist and journalist Bina Shah.

Malala is presented in tandem with Michael Tippett’s A Child of Our Time, first performed in London towards the end of the Second World War.

The concert is presented in support of The Malala Fund which campaigns to promote free access to education for girls across the world.