New choir work reflects on the consolation of nature
On September 19th the Calstock Big Jazz Choir comes to Shaftesbury with ‘Small Wonders’, an ambitious new work of 30 songs for choir, soloists and instrumentalists, composed and conducted by Helen Porter. The work premiered to a full house in May at the Tavistock Music Festival. One of the organisers said:
“It was the most beautiful and poignant work that I have heard in the church and deserves a much wider audience.People were so enthralled — one could hear the audience listening. I honestly can’t think of words good enough to describe how absolutely wonderful this concert was.”
Set in the first year of the Covid pandemic, the songs in Small Wonders take us on a journey through the seasons with our senses more keenly tuned to the sights and sounds of nature. We are drawn into the lives of some of the smallest creatures who live in our shared environment and explore our need to create stories and myths around them to bring us consolation in difficult times. The songs, in an eclectic mix of genres – classical, musical theatre, jazz, folk, cabaret and contemporary – reflect the marvellous diversity of the natural world around us.
People may remember Helen Porter from the years around the millenium when she worked for Common Ground’s ‘Confluence’ project, teaming up with Shaftesbury composer Karen Wimhurst, who is one of the instrumentalist in Small Wonders.
Small Wonders, performed by the Calstock Big Jazz Choir, was written in memory of a much loved member of Helen’s choir, Jennie Peach, who sadly died in 2024. Jennie’s positive outlook on life is beautifully woven into the fabric of the songs, at some moments fast, funny and dramatic, whilst thoughtful and consoling at others.
Helen Porter says: “This work is a journey of hope, a reminder of our responsibilities as shared inhabitants of the earth and the power of music, song and nature to lift our spirits in dark times…”
Tickets can be booked via www.wegottickets.com
Small Wonders
Words & music by Helen Porter
Performed by the Big Jazz Choir with guest soloists and musicians: Brittany Soriano (soprano), Richard Court (baritone), Ed Bersey (bass), Karen Wimhurst (clarinet & bass clarinet), Sam Norton (double bass), Andy Turner (percussion), Mark Smith (piano).
Conducted by Helen Porter