Following the huge success of Zimbe! (which has now received over 140 performances across the UK since its birth in 2008!), and Ahoy! Sing for the Mary Rose, choirs will doubtless be interested to hear about Alexander L’Estrange’s latest choral venture.
Song Cycle: vive la vélorution by L’Estrange was commissioned by the York-based Chapter House Choir to mark the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2014. Composed for massed SATB choirs and jazz quintet, the 45 minute work comprises ten songs on the subject of cycling and the great outdoors. It is an exuberant celebration in music both of this most environmentally friendly mode of transport and of the beauty of the countryside.
‘L’Estrange has perfectly captured the euphoria of two-wheel travel for this joyous, uplifting composition which includes an amusing take on the invention of the bicycle, as well as stunning new settings of poetry and arrangements of much-loved songs such as Daisy Bell.’
York Minster
The work will receive its premiere in York Minster on the 28 June as part of the Yorkshire Festival 2014. It will be performed by four hundred singers from across Yorkshire, the Chapter House Choir and The 'Call Me Al' Quintet, led by Alexander L'Estrange, conducted by Stephen Williams.
Demo tracks are available to listen to here.