Recently I had the pleasure of conducting my short work 'Per Aspera Ad Astra' for SA choir and large ensemble in St John's Smith Square, London. The piece was commissioned by the Girl's Day School Trust (GDST) to celebrate their wealth of talented students from their schools across the country in the final of The GDST Young Musician and Vocalist of the Year Award competition. ‘Per Aspera Ad Astra,’ which translates to ‘through difficulties to the stars,’ takes inspiration from the Latin by creating an ethereal and celestial sound landscape. Melodic fragments break through the atmosphere and are present to encapsulate the implications of the text that insinuates that perseverance can lead to rewards in the end; reflective of the hard work and efforts of the GDST students! I really enjoyed writing the piece, the event itself and watching the stunning performances of the finalists.
