A Memory of the Ocean | Bristol Choral Society

This concert will feature the world premiere of a new piece, commissioned from rising star Grace-Evangeline Mason. ‘A Memory of the Ocean’ is a collection of pieces scored for choir, piano and cello.

The texts, comprised of one poem by the composer followed by settings of poetry after Sara Teasdale (1884-1933), are unified by their allusions to the sea. Commissioned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams, the collection is inspired by his work ‘A Sea Symphony’ (composed 1903-1909) as an important work in the history of British choral music in which the chorus is used throughout as a vital part of the work’s texture and colour. Similarly, the choir provides a fundamental surface for the piano to take moments of prominence throughout the pieces. (G-E Mason)