Sing Out Louth

Big Sky A Cantata written by Mike McGuire, supported by Sing Out Louth
Join local musicians for a fun day learning a new piece of music 'Big Sky,' a short cantata for mixed choir and orchestra, written by local musician Mike McGuire.

‘Big Sky’ is in five movements/episodes, aiming to evoke the subtle beauty and fragile tranquillity of the East Coast of England through its sights and sounds.

We are inviting musicians and singers to join us for a day together to learn this piece of music celebrating the wonderful diversity of our beautiful County. The orchestra will be led by Robert Steadman, local composer and conductor, and the choir will be led by Liz McIntosh, local community choir leader. The day will involve learning the piece, which will be followed by a performance in the evening, alongside work by Robert Steadman. A true celebration of local music.

‘Big Sky’ is a short cantata for mixed choir and orchestra in five movements/episodes, aiming to evoke the subtle beauty and fragile tranquillity of the East Coast of England through its sights and sounds.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in our region have come to know, love and enjoy its characteristic wide open spaces. However, potential threats are ever present, whether through industrialization of the landscape, or intensification of farming methods to feed an ever-growing population. Hence, whilst we must acknowledge that such activities have created the landscape over the centuries, and are necessary to provide essential opportunities for employment and recreation, we must also accept that some change is inevitable.

This underlying tension, and consequent sense of unease, is reflected in the music. After the relative calmness of the first movement (Restless Dawn), the second movement (Shifting Sands) introduces an air of uncertainty, whilst the third movement (Wonder-Wold) reflects the true magic and raison d’être of the region; a unique combination of productive work on land and sea, and myriad opportunities for recreation and renewal. The fourth movement (Storm and Anxiety) reflects the tensions referred to above. However, the fifth movement (Night and Hope) endeavours to end the piece on an optimistic note, invoking our hopes and aspirations for the future.

Overall, the intention is to convey an impression of coastal and rural sights and sounds, evoke a mood, and convey the spirit of the piece through the orchestration and the choral text.

For information on how to join this project as a singer or musician please contact Liz McIntosh on singoutlouth@gmail.com or 07713 746679