Birdland

A musical drama for soloists, unison voices, SATB chorus, and instrumental ensemble

Vocal score

Forces or Category: Soloists, unison voices, SATB chorus, & instrumental ensemble

Orchestration: fl, 2cl, hn, tpt, tenor tbn, perc (2 players), bass guitar, pno

Story and texts by Charles Bennett
A variety of solo roles, also featuring spoken narration
Eminently singable melodies and a characterful orchestration
Rehearsal pack with photocopiable unison part and lyrics
Access to companion website with downloadable audio rehearsal tracks as part of the rehearsal pack

Birdland

A musical drama for soloists, unison voices, SATB chorus, and instrumental ensemble

Vocal score

Description

This engaging musical drama follows the quest of Pip the Sparrow to be accepted into the Dawn Chorus. Along the way Pip meets characters like the Doc Rock Peacocks, who promise to transform the sparrow into a star, and the troubled residents of The Bewilderness. With the help of two friendly owls, Pip meets singing sensation Shamira the Golden Nightingale and discovers a great secret, causing the sparrow to at last understand the power of having a song that is completely their own. As well as the rich variety of solo roles, which feature spoken narration, the work provides great dramatic potential for the unison and mixed choruses, who play an integral role in the storytelling. The memorable, eminently singable melodies are complimented by a characterful orchestration, for 10-part instrumental ensemble, with Chilcott drawing on a broad range of musical styles. Exploring themes of identity, inclusivity, and self-belief, this heart-warming work is a testament to the unifying, healing power of music.

Birdland

A musical drama for soloists, unison voices, SATB chorus, and instrumental ensemble

Vocal score

Bob Chilcott

Composer Information

Bob Chilcott (b.1955)

Bob Chilcott has been involved with choral music all his life, first as a Chorister and then a Choral Scholar at King's College, Cambridge. Later, he sang and composed music for 12 years with the King's Singers. His experiences with that group, his passionate commitment to young and amateur choirs, and his profound belief that music can unite people, have inspired him both to compose full-time and, through proactive workshopping, to promote choral music worldwide.

Bob Chilcott's website