Stars Over Portland
The song cycle Stars Over Portland was commissioned by Max Wieliczko as a gift for his wife Jane on her 60th birthday in 2020.
“Collaborating with Ben Dunwell, we worked on this folk inspired set of songs based on our experiences of the Island of Portland in Dorset - it’s myths, it’s energy and of course the ever present sea” Will Todd
Premiere 17th September 2022
Stonehall
Music by Will Todd
Words by Ben Dunwell
Scored for:
Solo singers
Guitar
Double Bass
Folk Fiddle
Percussion
Accordion
Will Todd (Composer) writes:
“I'm so thrilled that we are finally able to present Stars Over Portland for the first time. Collaborating with Ben Dunwell, we worked on this folk inspired set of songs based on our experiences of the Island of Portland in Dorset - it’s myths, it’s energy and of course the ever present sea. The musical style is inflected with folk sounds and the
instrumentation (guitar, accordion, fiddle and bass) underpins the folk song roots of the score. I'm delighted to have Caroline Sabiston singing the songs - she brings to it the narrative and dramatic qualities that the piece needs. This is part song cycle, part opera, part pub gig, and the energy of the songs will, we hope, show a little of the spirit and history of this unique place.“