I was delighted to be commissioned by The Swan Singers and their Director, Tricia Rees-Jones, to write a piece which was premiered on 3 May 2025 at St. Thomas Church, Wells.

The concert theme was a choral exploration of Alexander the Great, and follows Alexander musically from modern Greece, through Persia to India, with settings of the Greek Orthodox Nun, Thekla, to portions of the Rubaiyat, and of Bengali poet Tagore, and the sacred Hindu texts of the Rig Veda, set by Holst.

I chose to set 5 fragments from the earliest known female poet, Sappho, who’s clear language, vivid imagery and direct emotional expression was so influential on western literature and poetry.

“Sappho was my favourite, for its understated style, subtle but haunting harmonies, and the skillful manner in the music complemented the words”….”each of them a beautiful gem…”

The 5 Fragments of Sappho are designed to be performed either as a sequence, or interspersed between other pieces or readings. Click on Choral Works for the score and mp3 file.