About this Event
Join Voces Tavae, one of South Wales' finest emerging vocal ensembles, celebrated for its vibrant sound, artistic ambition and outstanding musicianship for a captivating evening of choral music beneath Luke Jerram's spectacular GAIA.
From Nameless Streams to Stars
Programme
Stars
Ēriks Ešenvalds (Latvia, b. 1977)
Written in 2011, this atmospheric work sets a poem by Sara Teasdale and has become one of Ešenvalds' most celebrated choral compositions. Through shimmering harmonies and evocative textures, it invites listeners to gaze into the vastness and wonder of the night sky.
Heyr, himna smiður
Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson (Iceland, 1938-2013)
Composed in 1973, this setting of a 13th-century Icelandic hymn is sung in Icelandic. The title translates as Hear, Heavenly Creator, and its simple yet powerful melody has made it one of the most frequently performed works in the contemporary choral repertoire.
Nameless Streams
Dr Edward Rhys Harry (Wales, b. 1973)
This contemporary Welsh work explores themes of landscape, memory and belonging. Drawing inspiration from the hidden waterways that shape our environment, it reflects on the unseen connections that link people, places and communities.
Sing to the Moon
Laura Mvula (United Kingdom, b. 1987)
Arranged by Mvula/Jacobs
Originally released in 2013, this uplifting song has become a modern choral favourite. Its message of hope, reassurance and encouragement resonates deeply with audiences around the world.
The Impossible Dream
Mitch Leigh (United States, 1928-2014)
Arranged by Jonathan Wikeley
Taken from the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha (1965), this enduring anthem celebrates courage, perseverance and the pursuit of seemingly unattainable ideals. Its message of striving for a better world continues to inspire generations.
Long Road
Ēriks Ešenvalds (Latvia, b. 1977)
Written in 2013, this reflective work is inspired by a traditional Latvian folk song. It explores journeys, both physical and emotional, through Ešenvalds' distinctive and deeply expressive musical language.
Thula Sizwe
Traditional Zulu Song (South Africa)
Arranged by Hope Pugh
Sung in Zulu, one of South Africa's eleven official languages, this powerful song can be translated as Hush, Nation. Associated with hope and resilience during South Africa's struggle against apartheid, it speaks of courage, unity and determination in the face of adversity.
Northern Lights
Ola Gjeilo (Norway, b. 1978)
Composed in 2008, this radiant setting of the Latin text Pulchra es (You are beautiful) was inspired by the spectacular aurora borealis of the Arctic skies. Rich harmonies and soaring lines create a sound world of breathtaking beauty and wonder.
I Have Stood Inside Days
Dr Edward Rhys Harry (Wales, b. 1973)
World Premiere
Written especially for Voces Tavae, this new composition receives its first performance tonight beneath Gaia. Reflecting on time, memory and our relationship with the natural world, the work continues Edward Rhys Harry's commitment to creating music rooted in Welsh identity and contemporary experience.
I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing
B. Backer, B. Davis, R. Cook and R. Greenaway
Arranged by Milt Rogers
Originally made famous in 1971, this iconic song became an international symbol of togetherness and peace. Its optimistic message of unity and friendship provides a joyful step towards the communal conclusion of tonight's programme.
My Guardian Angel
Judith Weir (United Kingdom, b. 1954)
Composed in 2010 by the former Master of the King's Music, this gentle and luminous work explores themes of protection, comfort and guidance. Its flowing melodies and serene harmonies create an atmosphere of profound tranquillity.Audience members are warmly invited to join the choir in the refrain, making this performance a shared musical experience.
Auld Lang Syne
Traditional Scottish Melody after Haydn
Arranged by Jeffrey Skidmore
One of the best-loved songs in the English-speaking world, Robert Burns' famous text celebrates friendship, memory and shared experience. Please join us in singing the final chorus as we bring the evening to a close, uniting performers and audience in a shared celebration beneath Gaia.
About the Programme
From Nameless Streams to Stars is a musical journey across landscapes, languages and cultures, beginning with the hidden waterways of the earth and ending beneath the vast canopy of the night sky. Along the way we encounter music from Wales, Latvia, Iceland, Norway, South Africa, Scotland, England and the United States, sung in English, Welsh, Icelandic, Zulu and Latin.
Threads of nature, hope, wonder and human connection weave through the programme. We hear reflections on rivers and stars, northern skies and distant roads, voices of prayer and songs of resilience. Together, these works remind us of both the diversity of human experience and the bonds that unite us across nations and generations.
At the heart of tonight's programme are two works by Welsh composer Dr Edward Rhys Harry. Nameless Streams gives this concert its title and inspiration, while the world premiere of I Have Stood Inside Days marks a special moment in the story of Voces Tavae. Presented beneath Gaia, these works invite us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and our place within it.
As the evening progresses from contemplation to celebration, the audience becomes part of the performance itself. In My Guardian Angel and Auld Lang Syne, you are warmly invited to add your voice to those of the choir. Together we conclude our journey from the earth's hidden streams to the stars above, united in music beneath our shared home, Gaia.
Event venue & nearby stays
Swansea Minster, 11A Saint Mary's Square, Swansea, United Kingdom
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