Choral Works

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The choir at the wedding of Paula Downes and David Trippett, Trinity Chapel, Cambridge, 2005

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Midland Boy Singers Programme for the premiere of Andrew Downes' Motet, O Magnum Mysterium at Wigmore Hall, 1969

View Score (This link will open a new browser)

Listen to a performance by Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir, conducted by the composer in 1977

Listen to live performance of the SSAATB version in King's Chapel, Boston, 2006, with the composer singing tenor

Listen to high voice version (multitrack promotional recording)

Watch high voice version music video

Read Cynthia Downes' account of the World Premiere

Read Cynthia Downes' blog on Andrew Downes' SATB Unaccompanied Choral Works

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The Motet, O Magnum Mysterium - text from the 'Tenebrae Responses', was composed in 1969 before Andrew Downes went up to Cambridge University as a Choral Scholar at St John’s College, and was performed by Andrew Downes with two other soloists from the Midland Boy Singers in the Wigmore Hall, London, on 4th October 1969.

'The single most striking feature of Saturday afternoon’s joint programme in the Wigmore Hall by the Midland Boy Singers (conductor Peter Grant) and the London Boy Singers (conductor, Jonathan Steele) was the counter-tenor singing of Andrew Downes. A founder member of the former choir, a choral scholar elect of St.John’s College, Cambridge, and the composer of an imaginatively meritorious setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’..., he could well be a figure to watch out for...' 
THE TIMES

The Mass was completed in 1973, when Andrew Downes was studying at the Royal College of Music with Herbert Howells.

'In a quiet (but strong) way one of the most effective composers coming to me these days.  I have very considerable hopes for him.' HERBERT HOWELLS (Report on Andrew Downes)

O Magnum Mysterium Motet and Mass was premiered by the Birmingham School of Music Chamber Choir, conducted by the composer, in Birmingham Cathedral on 19th February 1977.  In May 1977 these musicians gave further performances of the whole work in Lapley Church, Staffordshire and Upton-upon-Severn Parish Church, Worcestershire, and then recorded the work for BBC Radio Birmingham at the Knights Templars Church, Temple Balsall, Warwickshire (broadcast on 29th June 1977). The recording of the Lapley performance was shared online in June 2020 for Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year.

The first American performance of the Motet & Mass (all movements except the Gloria) was given in King's Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts, on August 22nd 2006, by the Millennium Scholars, directed by Paula Downes. Andrew and Cynthia Downes sang in this performance, which was the SSAATB version. Listen to the concert by clicking on the link above.
 

The transcription of the Motet for SSA, by Cynthia Downes, was dedicated in 2001 to Heather Fairs, former music teacher of Andrew Downes’ two daughters, Anna and Paula, and performed (by Paula Downes, Cynthia Downes and Katie Pickford) at Heather Fairs' retirement dinner at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich, Worcestershire.  This version was performed by members of the Cantabrigians in the Chapel of the Grange Wellington Hotel, Westminster, as part of The Brandenburg Choral Festival of London in September 2017 (Paula Downes, Carlotte Ives and Lucy Taylor) and in January 2018 (Paula Downes, Catherine White, Caroline Hunter).  Paula Downes, Charlotte Ives and Lucy Taylor also performed this arrangement in the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, in January 2018. 

In 2017 Paula Downes transcribed all movements of the Mass except the Gloria for high voices.  This version was performed in the Chapel of Selwyn College, Cambridge, in November 2017 by the Cantabrigians, as part of their concert for Remembrance Day.

In 2018 Paula transcribed the Motet only for SAB for the Meridian Singers for their Christmas Concert, which took place on December 8th of that year. 

Paula then created a  multitrack Music Video of the whole Mass for high voices.  She posted the Kyrie, Gloria and Sanctus and then her arrangement of the whole work online in June and July 2020, during Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year.  The audio recording and video of this high voice version can be accessed by clicking on the link over the grey order form above.

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Text from The English Psalter: Ps.32 v.26 & Ps.16 v.3.                                                                                                                                                           

This Anthem was first performed on BBC Radio 4 on lst November 1984 in the 'Daily Service' by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir under the direction of John Bishop. This Choir gave a second performance of the anthem on November 4th 1984 as part of the Evensong service in Birmingham Cathedral.

In May 1989 the work was performed by the Clent Hills Singers, directed by the composer, in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire.

Many subsequent performances took place at the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Professor Lionel Pike, between 1985 and Professor Pike's retirement in 2005.

Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CDVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th & 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.  To purchase CD, click on the link above. All the tracks from this CD have been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.

Performed on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Chamber Choir of Birmingham Conservatoire, conducted by Andrew King, in a concert of  Music by Andrew Downes marking the composer's retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire.

The first American performance took place at King's Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars, directed by Paula Downes.  Andrew and Cynthia Downes sang in this performance. Listen to concert.

The choir of the Church of the Advent, Boston, directed by Edith Ho, performed the work in November 2006.

Old Swinford Hospital School Chamber Choir, directed by George Nicholls, performed the anthem at the Church of St Alban the Martyr, Birmingham, in April 2018.

The Royal Holloway CD recording of this anthem was played at the funeral of Andrew Downes on 6th February 2023 at Stourbridge Crematorium, West Midlands.
 

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Text from The Wisdom of Solomon: Ch.3, v.1-3

This work was first performed on BBC Radio 4 on 2nd November 1984 in the 'Daily Service' by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir conducted by John Bishop.

In May 1989 the work was performed by the Clent Hills Singers, directed by the composer, in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire.

Many subsequent performances took place at the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Professor Lionel Pike, between 1985 and Professor Pike's retirement in 2005.

Performed by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the direction of Richard Marlow, in their Evensong Service on 20th May 1999.

Several performances have been given by the Kingfisher Chorale, directed by David Fisher: in the Frazer Noble Hall, Leicester, in October 2003 and November 2009; in St Thomas Church, South Wigston, as part of the Blaby Festival (June 2005); and in St John's Church, Clarendon in March 2004.

Performed on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Chamber Choir of Birmingham Conservatoire, conducted by Andrew King, in a concert of music by Andrew Downes marking the composer's retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire. 

Birmingham Cathedral Choir, directed by Marcus Huxley, performed the work in November 2009 and July 2010.  

In February 2011, it was performed at Queens Chapel of the Savoy, Savoy Hill, London, by the choir Convivium conducted by Neil Ferris.

The first American performance took place at King's Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts in August 2006 by the Millennium Scholars, directed by Paula Downes.  Andrew and Cynthia Downes sang in this performance. Listen to concert.

The Harvard Choral Fellows, directed by Edward Jones, performed the work at the Memorial Church, Harvard University, USA, in November 2007.

Recorded in 1997 by the Academic Scholars for their CD entitled "Hereditary Voices" (PHAROS Records PHACDlO1). 

Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CDVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th & 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.  To purchase CD, click on the link above.  All the tracks from this CD have been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.

The Royal Holloway CD recording of this anthem was played at the funeral of Andrew Downes on 6th February 2023 at Stourbridge Crematorium, West Midlands.

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View Score (This link will open a new browser)
Purchase CD, wav and mp3 files
Listen on youtube
Listen on soundcloud
Read Cynthia Downes' blog on Andrew Downes' SATB Unaccompanied Choral Works

Text from The English Psalter: Ps.4 v.8

In Peace was first performed on BBC Radio 4 on 3rd November 1984 in the 'Evening Service' by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir conducted by John Bishop.

In May 1989 the work was performed by the Clent Hills Singers, directed by the composer, in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire.

Many subsequent performances took place at the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London, by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Professor Lionel Pike, between 1985 and Professor Pike's retirement in 2005.

Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CDVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th & 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.  All the tracks from this CD have been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA. (Order here)                                                                                                                          

Performed by the New London Singers, directed by Ivor Setterfield, in their concert entitled "War and Peace" in St Augustine’s Church, Queensgate, London, in June 2003. 

Performed on June 21st 2005 in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, by the Chamber Choir of Birmingham Conservatoire, conducted by Andrew King, in a concert of Music by Andrew Downes marking the composer's retirement from Birmingham Conservatoire.

The first American performance took place at King's Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts on August 22nd 2006 by the Millennium Scholars, directed by Paula Downes. Andrew and Cynthia Downes sang in this performance. Listen to concert.

Broadcast twice on BBC Radio 3 in October 2012 by the Choir of Winchester College, directed by Malcolm Archer.

The Royal Holloway CD recording of this anthem was played at the funeral of Andrew Downes on 6th February 2023 at Stourbridge Crematorium, West Midlands.

As part of the 'Andrew Downes Year of Rememrance' concerts (2023-24), the Sitwell Singers, conducted by Dexter Drown, performed In Peace I Will Lie Down and Sleep in Broadway Baptist Church, Derby, on 1st July 2023.  In the same concert, the Sitwell Singers dedicated their performance of Michael Haydn's Requiem to Andrew.

The following week, also as part of Andrew's 'Year of Remembrance', a further performance of In Peace was given by the Wombourne & District Choral Society, directed by Edd Caine in Beckminster Church, Wolverhampton.  They invited Paula Downes to sing the soprano solo part.  

Gloucester Cathedral where Andrew Downes' Preces and Responses have been performed. Photo by Diliff

PRECES AND RESPONSES Opus 37 (1986)  

Set to music for unaccompanied SATB choir (with divisions).
Listen
Watch
View Score (This link will open a new browser)
Read Cynthia Downes' blog on Andrew Downes' SATB Unaccompanied Choral Works

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These Responses were commissioned by the Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir for BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong and subsequently sung  at numerous Evensong services in Coventry and Gloucester Cathedrals by the Coventry Cathedral Chapter House Choir under the direction of Geoffrey Holroyde.

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, Paula Downes and the Trippett Chorale created a multitrack recording of these Preces and Responses, which was posted online in March 2020. To hear this premiere recording, click on the 'Listen' link between the title and the grey order form above.

In January and February 2021, Paula used the Trippett Chorale recording to create a music video, which was posted online on Febuary 1st 2021. It can be accessed by clicking on the 'Watch' link beneath the title above.

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Photo by Jeremy Peters

Also see:

MOTET & MASS: 'O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM' Opus 2 (1973) 15'

AVE MARIS STELLA, MVT 4 from CHRISTMAS CANTATA

See SSAA version of The Lord is my Shepherd

O VOS OMNES Opus 23 (1981) 4'
Latin Motet for high voices (SSSA).

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Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptation of
Andrew Downes' O vos omnes, 2016

Listen on soundcloud
Listen to live performance
Watch animation
Read Cynthia Downes' blog about the premiere and subsequent performances

See educational resources:
Different settings of O vos omnes
Sacred influences on the music of Andrew Downes

Text from the Lamentations of Jeremiah 1:12. (Translation: All ye who pass by the way, behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow. Attend, all ye people, and behold my sorrow.) Ideal for performance in Holy Week.

This work is now published by Faber Music in their anthology: 30 Sacred Masterworks for Upper Voice Choir.

Commissioned by Cantamus girl's choir (director Pamela Cook) and first performed by them in the English Reformed Church, Amsterdam, on Easter Saturday, 10th April 1982. The choir then performed the work in Germany, in the Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium, Heiligenhaus, in April 1982.

Cantamus gave the UK premiere of O Vos Omnes on May 22nd 1982 in Welbeck Abbey, Derbyshire.

On July 11th 1982, in the Pfarre St Michael, Cantamus won first prize in the Vienna Youth & Music Festival and the City of Vienna Prize, including O Vos Omnes in their programme.

The work was commercially recorded for LP record by Cantamus in September 1982 in the Great Hall of Nottingham University, and is still regularly included in the choir's programmes home and abroad.

Pamela Cook directed the Birmingham School of Music Singers Singers in a performance of the work in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, in May 1988.

Haybridge High School Choir, conducted by Heather Fairs, performed the work in St Saviour's Church, Hagley, in March 1995.

The Halesowen Girls' Choir, directed by Margaret Pickford, who have also performed the work on many occasions, included it as part of their recital in the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year Competition at the Royal Northern College of Music in April 1996, winning the title of 'Sainsbury's Youth Choir of the Day' and a place in the quarter finals. 

The Millennium Scholars, directed by Paula Downes, gave the first USA performance at Adams House, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts, on April 21, 2006, and a further performance in King's Chapel, Boston, Massachusetts in August 2006. Listen to concert.

In March 2013, Paula Downes recorded all the voice parts of this work and she created an animation to go with this recording in 2016 (Click on links above). The recording took place in the Studio of Birmingham Conservatoire.  Matthew O'Malley was the recording engineer.

In April, June and November 2017, the Cantabrigians performed O Vos Omnes as part of their recitals in the Chapels of Churchill College, Jesus College and Selwyn College, Cambridge. In May 2018 the Cantabrigians performed the work as part of their recital in the OCR of Trinity College Cambridge.

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, Paula Downes' animation was broadcast online, in April 2020.  To watch, click on the link underneath the illustration (by Paula Downes) above.

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Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptation of
Andrew Downes' The Dancers of Huai-nan, 2017

Listen on soundcloud
Watch animation
See educational resources
Read Cynthia Downes' blog about the premiere and subsequent performances

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Commissioned by Pamela Cook and her 'Cantamus' Girls' Choir, with funds from Nottingham County Council, for the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year Competition. It is a virtuosic piece, which divides into 8 parts and contains multi-tempo techniques.

In March 2013, Paula Downes recorded all the voice parts of this work and she created an animation to go with this recording in 2017 (click on links above). The recording took place in the Studio of Birmingham Conservatoire. Matthew O'Malley was the recording engineer.

In February 2017 the work was given its first concert performance in the Chapel of Christ's College, Cambridge, by The Cantabrigians, directed by Paula Downes.  The Cantabrigians gave a second performance in the Chapel of Churchill College, Cambridge, in April 2017.

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Image of Gibraltar eastside (author: CC BY-SA 3.0) used in Paula Downes' video adaptation of Gibraltar by Andrew Downes

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Words and music by Andrew Downes. 
Recorded by Halesowen Girls' Choir in July 1994 and included as part of their repertoire. Notable performances by the choir have been at a special 'Downes Towards the Millennium' concert in September 1999 in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, and at a Millennium Concert, entitled 'Music from around the World', in October 2000, in Hagley Free Church, Worcestershire.

The USA premiere of this work was given 24th June 2007 at First Parish Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts, by Schizophonic: Paula Downes, soprano, Anney Gilotte, soprano, and Allegra Martin, mezzo-soprano.

In March 2013, Paula Downes recorded all the voice parts of this work and created a music video in 2016 (Click on links above). The recording took place in the Studio of Birmingham Conservatoire.  Matthew O'Malley was the recording engineer.

In February 2017 the work was performed in the Chapel of Christ's College, Cambridge, by The Cantabrigians, directed by Paula Downes. The Cantabrigians gave further performances in the Chapel of Churchill College, Cambridge, in April 2017, in the Chapel of Jesus College, Cambridge, in June 2017 and in the Chapel of the Grange Wellington Hotel, Westminster, as part of The Brandenburg Choral Festival of London, in September 2017.

In July 2019 the song was performed in Bluntisham Baptist Church, Cambridge, by the Meridian Singers, directed by Paula Downes. For this performance, accompanying instrumentalists also played: Paul & Isabelle Galluzzo (violins), Amy Galluzzo (viola), Claire Stevenson (cello), Rhys Wilson (guitar), David Camish (bass guitar) and Olga Elbourne (keyboard).

In October 2019, in the Church of St John the Baptist, Somersham, Cambridgeshire, the Meridian Singers, directed from the violin by Paula Downes, performed the work again, this time with new words by Paula and entitled World Anthem (see below). The anthem was accompanied by Joshua Cusworth (trumpet), David Cammish (bass guitar) and Olga Elbourn on keyboard.  World Anthem was again performed by the Cantabigians in a concert entitled 'Our Planet' in the St Clements Church Cambridge Lunchtime Recitals series in January 2020, as part of Andrew Downes' 70th Birthday celebration year.  In the spring of 2020 Paula created an online choir recording of World Anthem, with vocal and instrumental contributions from family and friends from 5 years old to senior citizens.  The video recording was first broadcast online during the Cornavirus lockdown on May 4th 2020 

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Photo by Arcalino

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Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptation of Andrew Downes' Ballads for Christmas, 2016

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This setting was composed by Andrew for the Cantabrigians, for their Evensong services and concerts.

The work has been recorded by Paula Downes, singing all parts (multitrack recording), and can be heard on Soundcloud.  Paula created  a video to this recording and posted it online on May 31st 2020, during Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year. To listen to the recording or watch the video, click on the links over the grey order form above.

Also see:

MOTET & MASS: 'O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM' Opus 2 (1973) 15'

AVE MARIS STELLA, MVT 4 from CHRISTMAS CANTATA

See SSAA version of The Lord is my Shepherd

The Cantabrigians, who have performed most of Andrew Downes' high voice music. Photo taken in Jesus Chapel, Cambridge, 2016

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Josef Neugebauer's "Roses in a Basket" - used for Andrew Downes' "What shall I do?" below.

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This song was composed for Counterpoint Vocal Consort, which was formed by ex-choral scholars from St John's College, Cambridge: Andrew Downes himself and Philip Griffiths (countertenors), John Tudhope and John Walker (tenors), Anthony Edwards and Christopher Dean (basses). 

The song was first performed in Counterpoint's concert at Cranbourne Chase School on May 5th 1973.

The group gave subsequent performances of the song in numerous UK venues between 1973 and 1975, including St Margaret's Church, Parliament Square, Westminster (June 1973), Cliveden House, Wooburn Festival (September 1973), King's School, Rochester (October 1973), Carmarthen Arts Club (November 1973), Llandovery College (November 1973), Swansea University (April 1974), Malmsbury Abbey (June 1974), Walsall Town Hall (June 1974), in the Cleobury Mortimer Festival, Shropshire (September 1974), Birmingham Art Gallery (December 1974), Sherborne Girls' School, Dorset (January 1975), on BBC Radio Birmingham (February 1974) and BBC Radio 2 (January 1975), and at the Composers' wedding to Cynthia Rosemary Cooper on August 9th 1975 (in this performance Andrew Downes' part was sung by Sheila McQuattie).

In March and October 2019, in the Meridian Singers Spring and Autumn concerts in the Church of St John the Baptist, Somersham, the song was performed by Rob Freake, baritone, with the Meridian Singers, directed by the composer's daughter, Paula Downes.  

Andrew Downes used an instrumental version of this song for his Lullaby from his Christmas Cantata, which was premiered in the December 1974.

Paula Downes sang an adapted version of the song, for Soprano Solo with String Quartet, with The Silver Swans, at the Grand Arcade in Cambridge, to raise awareness of global warming in 2018.  Her version used words from a traditional Native American Poem, entitled Wind Song, calling for respect for Mother Earth. She performed the song in this form in Climate Change events in 2018 and 2019. 

What Shall I Do, with its original words and arranged by Paula Downes for tenor and soprano soloists with instrumentalists, was performed by Stephen Lawrence (tenor), Paula Downes (soprano), Elliott De Vivo (clarinet), Emily Smith (cello) and Rosie Moon (double bass) in a Valentine's concert in St Paul's, Hills Road, Cambridge, in February 2020, as part of Andrew Downes' 70th Birthday celebration year, and in aid of Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research. 

In the 2024 International Andrew Downes Performance Prize competition, in the Ruddock performing Arts Centre, King Edward's School Edgbaston, Birmingham, What shall I Do was performed by The Hope Street Consort Vocal Ensemble from Liverpool.

 

This work was composed for Counterpoint Vocal Consort, which was formed by ex- choral scholars from St John's College, Cambridge:  Andrew Downes himself and Philip Griffiths (countertenors), John Tudhope and John Walker (tenors), Anthony Edwards and Christopher Dean (basses). 

The work was first performed by 5 members of the group at the wedding of Sheila McQuattie and the first tenor of Counterpoint, John Tudhope, on 28th September 1974.

In September 2022, Andrew Downes' daughter Paula, with her husband David Trippett, created a multitrack recording of Ave Maria, which can be heard on 'Sounds'. (Click on 'Listen' just before the grey purchase box above.)

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This Anthem was commissioned by Peter Summers and the Choir of the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon, for Shakespeare Sunday.  The first performance took place on April 27th 1986 at Holy Trinity Church, with Peter Summers, organ, and directed by Andrew Downes. 

Subsequently performed by the Clent Hills Singers (Worcestershire), conducted by the composer, in St John's Church, Hagley, in May 1991; by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, directed by Lionel Pike, in the Chapel of Royal Holloway (January 1995); and by the Joint Chamber Choirs of South Hampstead High School and University College School, conducted by Paula Downes, at the Hampstead and Highgate Festival in May 2005.

Recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CPVP014CD) by the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, with Brian Moles, organ, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th and 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.  All the tracks from this CD have been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, together with O Sing unto the Lord a New Song from the CD were shared online in July and September 2020 respectively during Andrew Downes 70th birthday year (see performances 2020). 

To purchase the CD or listen to tracks, click on the link above.

St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham, where Andrew Downes' O Praise the Lord was premiered. Photo by Orangeaurochs.

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Commissioned by the Provost of St Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham, the Very Reverend Peter Berry, with financial assistance from the Bank of Ireland, whose Birmingham Branch was situated in St Philip's House, for performance by the Choir of Birmingham Cathedral, directed by Marcus Huxley, to celebrate the restoration of the Cathedral 1993.  This first performance took place in a special service, attended by the Bishop of Durham, on 17th September 1993.

The Birmingham Festival Choral Society, under the direction of Anthony Bradbury, performed the work in Malvern Priory in a concert entitled ‘A British Celebration’ on 25th June 2005.

In 2020 Paula Downes, with David Trippett, created a Music Video and Multitrack Recording of the Anthem, which Paula posted on YouTube on May 22nd 2020, during Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year.  To view this recording or to listen on Soundcloud, click on the links over the grey order form above.

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Setting of Psalm 96 for SSAATTBB choir and organ.
Specially composed for Lionel Pike and the Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, for their millennium celebrations. First performed at the Royal Holloway Thanksgiving Service at the end of the Academic Year on Sunday 11th June 2000, in the Church of the Assumption, Englefield Green.

 The setting was recorded for CD entitled The Lord is my Shepherd (CPVP014CD) by Royal Holloway Chapel Choir, with Brian Moles, organ, directed by Lionel Pike, on 6th and 7th January 2001 in Arundel Cathedral.  All the tracks from this CD have been broadcast many times on Musicians Page Radio, Los Angeles, USA.  To purchase CD, click on the link above.

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, in September 2020, O Sing unto the Lord a new Song from the CD was shared online. To listen, click on the 3rd link between the title and the grey order form above.

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Bride Paula Downes with father Andrew Downes, July 2005

ANDREW DOWNES: WEDDING MARCH from the Opera FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Opus 87 (2005)

Watch
Read Cynthia Downes' Blog abut the premiere of the opera and subsequent performances
Read Cynthia Downes' blog post on Music at Weddings

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The final chorus of this opera by Andrew Downes, based on the novel by Thomas Hardy, was arranged for SATB choir and organ by Andrew Downes, and performed in the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, by ex-Cambridge Choral Scholars, directed by Stefan Reid and accompanied by Daniel Hyde, at the wedding of Paula Downes and David Trippett in July 2005.  

The world première performances of Andrew Downes’ full scale opera, Far from the Madding Crowd, commissioned by the Thomas Hardy Society for the 2006 Thomas Hardy International Festival in Dorchester, Dorset, were given to audience and critical acclaim on July 26th, 27th and 28^th, at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester.  

DVD and CD recordings of the premiere performances of the opera are available from Lynwood Music.

For further details on the premiere and subsequent performances of the opera, reviews and YouTube extracts, please visit Opera

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Princepthorpe Church, where The Mercies of our Lord was premiered. Photo by Sarah Joy

THE MERCIES OF OUR LORD Opus 78b (2001) 7'
Anthem for SATB choir, 2 trumpets (optional) and organ.  Setting of poem by Moira Weir.
Listen
Watch
Read Cynthia Downes' Blog about the premiere and subsequent performances

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Specially commissioned by Princethorpe College for a special Mass to celebrate the centenary of the College Chapel, designed by Paul Pugin. First performance took place in the Centenary Mass on 8th May 2001, sung by the Chapel Choir, with trumpeters and organist from the college, directed by Sue Francis. 

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, in 2020, Paula Downes with David Trippett made a multitrack recording premiere of the anthem, which Paula used to create a video of the work, and which Paula posted online on September 20th and 22nd.  The audio recording and the video can be accessed by clicking on 'Listen' and 'Watch' just over the grey order form above.

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Commissioned by Graham Williams and the Callington Singers of Cornwall, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the choir.  The first performance took place at Menheniot Parish Church on 26th October 2013, with soloist, Paula Downes, and organist, Simon Brett, conducted by Graham Williams.

This choir, with soprano soloist, Dee Easton, directed by Graham Williams, has subsequently performed the work in Exeter Cathedral (February 2014), in Gunislake Church, Cornwall (April 2014), in Truro Cathedral (August 2014), in Tavistock Parish Church, Cornwall (July 2018) and at St George's Chapel, Windsor (August 2018).

The Callington Singers, with the Kantorei Barsbuettel from Germany, and the Chorale Chanterelle de Guipavas, France, directed by Graham Williams, gave the first French performance on December 13th 2014 in Notre Dame de Kerbonne, Brest, and a further performance in the Eglise Paroissiale, Guipavas, Brittany, on 14th December 2014.  The Callington Singers gave further performances in Guipavas Church in June 2018.  Dee Easton was the soprano soloist in these French performances.

In 2020 Paula Downes created a Music Video and Multitrack recording of this work, which she posted online on May 30th 2020, during Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year. The Soundcloud recording and the video can be accessed by clicking on the links over the grey order form above.

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Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptation of Andrew Downes' Piano, 2016

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This work was commissioned by Pamela Cook and her Cantamus Girls' Choir, with funds provided by East Midlands Arts, to celebrate the birth centenary of D.H.Lawrence.  Cantamus, accompanied by pianist Michael Neaum, gave the first perfomance in their D.H.Lawrence Centenary Festival Concert, entitled "Shall We Sing Thee Summat?", on September l4th 1985 at St John's, Smith Square, London.
Cantamus subsequently recorded the work for two BBC Radio 3 programmes (which were broadcast in August 1987 and February 1988), and has regularly performed the song in their concerts throughout the UK and on tours in the USA, Japan, Germany, Finland and Australia.  In 2012, for example, they gave three performances, at the Oundle International Festival and venues in Worksop and Nottingham.
Alongside Andrew Downes' work, Butterfly, composed for the memorial concert for Pamela Cook in 2014, 'Piano' was performed by Cantamus, conducted by Ann Irons and accompanied by Stefan Reid, in St Mary's Church, Greasley, in June 2016, and both works were included in the Choir's repertoire  for their tour of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide at the end of July 2016.

Pamela Cook directed the Birmingham Conservatoire Singers, with accompanist Joyce Woodhead, in a performance of the work in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, in May 1991.

The Halesowen Girls' Choir, with accompanist Keith Bradley, conducted by Margaret Pickford, have also performed the song on many occasions.  They were first prize winners at the Catshill Festival, Worcestershire (June 1992) and the Dudley Festival (March 1996) singing the work, and also included it in their programme for the 1994 Sainsbury's Choir of the Year Competition. 

Cheltenham Ladies College, directed by John Wright, included the work in their programme for the Cheltenham Competitive Festival 1995, and also in concerts at the College.

Haybridge High School Choir, conducted by Heather Fairs, performed the work in St Saviour's Church, Hagley, in March 1995, and at Haybridge High School, Hagley, in May 1995. Conducted by Anna Downes, they performed the work at the Worcester Music Festival in March 2000.  At each of these performances the accompanist was Maureen Lloyd Jones.

South Hampstead High School for Girls Singers, and Sine Nomine Youth Choir, both choirs conducted by Paula Downes, have also performed the song.

'Andrew Downes' treatment of the poem was carefully crafted so as to echo musically the atmosphere of nostalgia and reminiscence bordering on strong passion, contained within the text.'
THE GUARDIAN

In March 2013, Paula Downes recorded all the voice parts of this work for
Soundcloud and created an animation/music video in 2016 (Click on links above). The recording took place in the Studio of Birmingham Conservatoire.  Matthew O'Malley was the recording engineer.

In February and June 2017 and in January 2018 the work was performed in Cambridge, in the Chapels of Christ's College, Jesus College and Trinity College respectively, by the Cantabrigians, directed by Paula Downes.

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Cantamus LP, containing music by Andrew Downes

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This work was commissioned by Ann Irons and Cantamus Girls' Choir, in memory of their late founder and conductor, Pamela Cook, with funds provided by donations.

The World Premiere took place at the Pamela Cook Memorial Concert in St Mary's Church, High Pavement, Nottingham, on 5th July 2014. Pianists Philip Robinson and Michael Neaum accompanied the choir. Ann Irons directed the performance.

These musicians gave their second performance of the work in their concert at the Mansfield Palace Theatre on 22nd February 2015. This concert followed the unveiling of a bronze bust of Pamela Cook, which stands in the theatre foyer alongside the bust of John Ogdon.

The work was performed by the choir, accompanied by Stefan Reid, alongside 'Piano' by Andrew Downes, in St Mary's Church, Greasley, (June 2016) and both works were included in the Choir's repertoire  for their tour of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide (end July 2016). 

Cantamus performed the work in the Albert Hall, Nottingham, in October 2018.

In February and June 2017 and in January 2018 the work was performed in Cambridge, in the Chapels of Christ's College, Jesus College and Trinity College respectively, by The Cantabrigians, directed by Paula Downes.

In 2020 Paula Downes created a multitrack recording of Butterfly, singing all the parts herself, which she put together with a film she made of butterflies in Cambridgeshire. The film was first shared online on August 26th 2020, for Andrew Downes' 70th birthday celebrations. It can be viewed on YouTube or by clicking on the 'Watch' link under the title above.

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MARCH: "COME, LET US ADORE HIM." from Christmas Cantata
Arrangement of Movement 5 for SA and optional TB Choir with Piano and Side Drum
Listen to original version with orchestra

INTERLUDE 1 from children's opera, Odysseus and the Cyclops - SSA & piano

Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptation of Andrew Downes' Ballads for Christmas, 2016

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The poems are: The Huron Carol; Pilgrims in Mexico; The Virgin's Cradle Hymn; The Mother's Song; Shepherd's Carol; Christmas 1924; The Holly Bough; New Year Bells.

Commissioned by the Midland Chamber Players and first performed on 17th December 1992 in Birmingham Cathedral by Hillcrest School Chamber Choir, directed by Valerie Pither, with Robert Johnston, harp. Subsequent performances, either of individual Ballads or the whole work, have been given by the same artists in their Birmingham Cathedral Christmas concerts: in 1993 (Huron Carol, Virgin's Cradle Hymn and Shepherd's Carol), 1995 (Virgin's Cradle Hymn) and 1996 (complete work). 

Performed in Christchurch Priory, in December 1993, and in St Peter's Church, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, in 1994, by the Rilstone Singers, conducted by Martin Schellenberg, with harpists Susan Drake (1993) and Robert Johnston (1994).

Haybridge High School Girls' Choir, with soloists Paula Downes and Catherine Pickford, performed Shepherd's Carol in St Saviour's Church, Hagley, in December 1995; and with soloist Paula Downes, performed The Virgin's Cradle Hymn in St Saviour's Church, Hagley, in December 1997.

Many performances have been given by the Halesowen Girls’ Choir, and the Halas Chamber Choir, conducted by Margaret Pickford, with Keith Bradley and Heather Howell, piano, in Halesowen Church and other Worcestershire churches, as well as the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. The Halesowen Girls' Choir performed The Holly Bough and New Year Bells at the wedding of the composer's daughter, Anna, to Michael J Price, on December 27th 2003, in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire.  

The Chapel Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London, directed by Lionel Pike, performed Shepherd's Carol in December 1993 and then all of the Ballads in December 1994 in the Chapel of Royal Holloway. They recorded the Shepherd's Carol from the collection on their CD entitled ‘Whom do you seek, Shepherds?’ (Royal Holloway Recording 3689 RHC DPL 07/95) in 1995. 

The first London performance of the Shepherd's Carol was given by choristers at South Hampstead High School for Girls, conducted by Paula Downes, in December 2002.  This was followed by a performance of the whole work on December 4th 2004 in Hampstead Parish Church by the Millennium Scholars, with Tanya Houghton, harp, directed by Paula Downes.

The Cadon Chorus of Cornwall gave two performances in December 2005.

The Cantabrigians, directed by Paula Downes, performed the whole work in the Chapel of Christ's College, Cambridge, in December 2016 and December 2017, and in St John's Church, Duxford in December 2018. The Cantabrigians have also given performances of individual movements: Christmas 1924 in the Chapel of Selwyn College, Cambridge, as part of their Remembrance Day concert in November 2017, and 3 movements: The Virgin's Cradle Hymn and The Mother's Song at "The Big Switch On" of the Christmas Lights in Cambridge Market Square (November 2017), in the Chapel of the Grange Wellington Hotel, London, as part of the Brandenburg Choral Festival of London (January 2018), at St Andrew's Street Baptist Church, Cambridge (December 2018) and at St Mary's Eaton Socon, St Neot's (December 2018). 

The first USA performance was given in Boston Massachusetts by the Millennium Scholars, directed by Paula Downes, on 14th December 2005 at the Friends Meeting House, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Watch Paula Downes being interviewed on 'It's all about arts' just before the performance.

The Mother's Song from the collection has been several times broadcast on Dutch Radio.

As part of Andrew Downes' 70th Birthday celebration year, the Cambridgeshire Holiday 7+ Choir, directed by Paula Downes, performed The Virgin's Cradle Hymn, which they entitled Cradle Song, in West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, in January 2020.  At the end of 2020 and Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, Paula shared her animation of The Holly Bough online on December 18th.

In March 2013, a recording of the 8 Ballads for Christmas was made by Paula Downes (multitrack voices) with Rita Schindler (harp), produced by Matthew O'Malley, at Birmingham Conservatoire.  In January 2016 Paula completed and launched on YouTube a series of animations and films to go with her recordings of each of the 8 Ballads. Watch the films by clicking the link above.

'Ballads for Christmas is a highly effective work which, coupled with its directness and economy, should secure it a firm place in the Christmas youth choir repertory.'

THE BIRMINGHAM POST

Instrumental arrangements by Cynthia Downes of The Shepherd's Carol and The Holly Bough have been performed on several occasions by musicians from Hagley, Worcestershire. Arrangements of The Virgin's Cradle Hymn and The Mother's Song, by Cynthia Downes, were first performed by Paula Downes, soprano soloist, with Hagley Community Orchestra, in St Saviour's Church, Worcestershire in December 2015. The composer played (keyboard) in these performances, which were directed by Cynthia Downes.

 

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MASS FOR TREBLES

Also known as Holy Communion for Church Congregation with Organ accompaniment. Mass in English.

View Score (This link will open a new browser). 
Gloria included on Podcast Episode 6
Listen
Watch

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This setting of the Holy Communion service was commissioned by Cottingham Parish Church, Bristol.

A concert performance of the Holy Communion setting was given by the Meridian Singers, accompanied by Paul & Isabelle Galluzzo (violins), Claire Stevenson (cello) and Sinon Kirk (organ), directed by Paula Downes, in March 2019 in their Spring Soiree concert at St John the Baptist Church, Somersham, Cambridgeshire.

In 2020, Paula Downes created an online multitrack recording of the Mass for Trebles. The recording can be can be accessed by clicking on the 'Listen' link between the the title and the grey order form above.

See SSAA version of RUNNYMEDE MILLENNIUM CHORAL CHORAL EVENSONG SERVICE



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Hereford Cathedral, where Andrew Downes' arrangements of Veni Emmanuel and Coventry Carol were premiered in 1979

VENI EMMANUEL (1979) 6'  

Arrangement of 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' for SATB choir (also SSAB version), Organ and Brass Ensemble (2 trumpets, horn, 2 trombones, tuba).

View Score (This link will open a new browser)
Listen (multitrack promotional recording, and performance of arrangement for SSAB, brass and keyboard)
Watch
Read Cynthia Downes' account of the World Premiere

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Commissioned by the Choir of Hereford Cathedral and first performed there on 15th December 1979 by the Hereford Choral Society, the Choristers of Hereford Cathedral, Robert Green (organ) and the Birmingham School of Music Brass Ensemble (director Frank Downes), conducted by Roy Massey.

Included in the Birmingham Festival Choral Society's 'Towards the Millennium' concert series, for their concert on 4th April 1998, featuring music of the 1970s. In this performance the BFCS were accompanied by Gemini Brass and Carleton Etherington (organ) and conducted by Anthony Bradbury.

In December 2018 it was performed at the Meridian Singers' Christmas Concert in St Mary's Church Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire with Hextura Brass, Olga Elbourn on the organ, conducted by Paula Downes.

An instrumental arrangement by Cynthia Downes was performed on 23rd December 2018, by Hagley Community Orchestra, with Rev Richard Newton (organ) and Andrew Downes (keyboard) at the Christmas Carol Service in St Saviour's Church, Hagley.

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, Paula Downes and the Trippett Chorale created a multitrack video recording of the work, which was posted online on December 11th 2020.  Click on the links over the grey order form above to access the recording and video.


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Photo of the ruin of Coventry Cathedral by Andrew Walker

THE COVENTRY CAROL (1979) 4'  
Arrangement for treble solo and SATBB choir (also SSAB version)

View Score (This link will open a new browser)
Listen (multitrack promotional recording and Clent Hills Singers recording)
Watch
Read Cynthia Downes' account of the World Premiere

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Commissioned by the Choir of Hereford Cathedral, director Roy Massey, and first performed there on 15th December 1979.

Performed by the Clent Hills Singers, conducted by the composer, in St John's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, in December 1989.

Recorded by the Clent Hills Singers, conducted by the composer, for the cassette, "Christmas in the Forest" (© 1989 Forest Music).

An instrumental performance of this work was given by Hagley Community Orchestra, directed by Cynthia Downes, in St Saviour's Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, in December 2017.

In December 2018 the work was performed at the Meridian Singers' Christmas Concert in St Mary's Church Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire, with Hextura Brass and Olga Elbourn, organ, conducted by Paula Downes.

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, Paula Downes and the Trippett Chorale created a multitrack video recording of the work, which was posted online on December 18th 2020.  Click on the links over the grey order form above to access the recording and video.

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This setting of the Holy Communion service was commissioned by Cottingham Parish Church, Bristol.

A concert performance of the Holy Communion setting was given by the Meridian Singers, accompanied by Paul & Isabelle Galluzzo (violins), Claire Stevenson (cello) and Sinon Kirk (organ), directed by Paula Downes, in March 2019 in their Spring Soiree concert at St John the Baptist Church, Somersham, Cambridgeshire.

In 2020, Paula Downes created an online multitrack recording of this Mass for Trebles. The recording can be can be accessed by clicking on the 'Listen' link between the title and the grey order form above above.



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The one eyed Polyphemus by Marshall, Logan, tr 

Libretto by Cynthia and Andrew Downes.

Participants:
Polyphemus, the Cyclops ----- baritone
Odysseus --------------------- treble
Four Men --------------------- trebles
Odysseus' Men --------------- trebles and altos
Chorus of Elders-------------- trebles and altos
Main Choir ------------------- trebles and altos
Piano-------------------------- teacher’s part
Marching Band ---------------- recorders, melodicas, drum, tambourines
Orchestra---------------------- recorders, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones, strings, percussion.

This children’s opera was commissioned by the Rugby Schools Music Association with funds made available by West Midlands Arts. The first performances were given in the Temple Speech Room, Rugby School, on 25th and 26th May 1982, by 300 children from 28 Middle Schools in the Rugby area and members of the Rugby Schools Orchestra, with Tom Cowhig as the baritone soloist and Mary Littlemore, piano. The performances were directed by Valerie Brodie and Gwen Proudlock and previewed on BBC Television. 
Subsequent performances by Schools in Hagley (Worcs) and Windsor High School, Halesowen.
The choral parts are for children of Middle School age and the instrumental parts also for Middle School age, augmented by more experienced older players.

'A pageant of Myth and Music, a musical possibility for any enterprising and skilled school orchestra and chorus.'
THE TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

The opera takes as its theme a freely adapted version of the ‘Cyclops' story from Homer’s Odyssey. The central character is Polyphemus, the Cyclops, who, in the original story, was described as an enormous monster with one eye in the middle of his forehead. In this version, however, he is made to be an ordinary, if tall, human being disfigured by some accident in his past. This slight alteration makes him, in the composer’s view, a more dramatically acceptable figure, whose very humanity deepens his tragic situation.

THE STORY: 
PART 1 The crowds await the arrival of the Council of Elders, who are to decide the fate of the unsightly half blind figure of Polyphemus. The Islanders want to be rid of him. Polyphemus rejects the possibility of solitary banishment as being worse then death itself. The Elders suggest using Polyphemus as their protector and guardian of the island: “With his ugliness and strength he will repel any invaders.” The islanders like the idea, and proclaim him as their hero and champion. INTERLUDE I - the contented, protected islanders are unaware of Odysseus’ army sailing towards them.
PART 2 Odysseus and his army land and make merry in Polyphemus' cave with his food and wine. When Polyphemus discovers this, he rolls a vast rock across the cave entrance thus making them his prisoners. 
The cunning Odysseus gradually gets Polyphemus into a drunken stupor, and when asked his name, replies 'Nobody'. When Polyphemus is asleep - swiftly and viciously Odysseus and his men heat up a spear and put out his only eye. He is now blind, but the soldiers still cannot escape from the cave. The Elders, roused by Polyphemus' cries of agony, ask from a distance, if and by whom he has been hurt. He replies that 'Nobody' has put out his eye, and they go away, believing that if nobody has hurt him all must be well! Polyphemus is now totally abandoned, and sinks into despair. INTERLUDE II - throughout the night Polyphemus keeps watch over his prisoners.
PART 3 As dawn breaks, the blind Polyphemus lets his flock of sheep out of an inner cave and moves the stone a little to allow the sheep out. Hiding amongst them go Odysseus and his men. Once outside, they taunt him and disappear to safety. Polyphemus now feels a total failure, but the Islanders reappear, relieved that the invaders have been repelled.
They welcome him, acknowledging his total sacrifice, and reassure him of their love and care.

See also:
MASS FOR TREBLES

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Listen (multitrack promotional recording)
Listen (premiere in 1974 recorded on a tape recorder)
Read Cynthia Downes' Blog post about the premiere
Watch a filmed socially distanced performance in 2020
Watch Ave Maris Stella

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1. Fanfare: "Hail Thee, Festival Day!"
Words taken from the 14th century 'York Processional' Plainsong hymn
2. Carol: "Jesus was born in Bethlehem."
Words by Andrew Downes
3. Lullaby: Instrumental Interlude
4. Office Hymn: "Ave, Maris Stella."
Words from the 9th century Plainsong hymn.
5. March: "Come, let us adore Him!"
Words by Andrew Downes
6.  Chorale: "Jesus Christ is born this night."
Words by Andrew Downes
7. Finale: "Hail Thee, Festival Day!"
Movement 1 is repeated at the end

First performed by The Chamber Choir, Girls' Choir and Chamber Orchestra of Thames Valley College, Twickenham, directed by Andrew Downes, on December 18th 1974.

Instrumental arrrangements, by Cynthia Downes, of individual movements have been performed on numerous occasions by musicians in Worcestershire.

In December 2019 the Meridian Singers, directed by Paula Downes, performed the whole work in St John the Baptist Church, Holywell, Cambridgeshire, in an arrangement by Paula Downes, with Brass sextet (Hextura Brass), keyboard (Olga Elbourne) and side drum (David Cammish).

For Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, an online performance of the Christmas Cantata was recorded in the Countess of Huntingdon Hall by the Central England Camerata orchestra and soloists, leader Anna Downes, conducted by Anthony Bradbury, during the coronavirus lockdown in December 2020.  The performance was shared in a Watch Party on December 23rd. To access the performance, with comments from the performers, click on the blue link above in this paragraph.

In January 2021, Paula Downes created a multitrack music video of Ave Maris Stella from the Christmas Cantata, which she posted online on January 22nd.  To access the video, click on the 5th link beneath the title above.

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Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptations of Andrew Downes' Songs of Autumn for Children's choir and chamber orchestra or CD, 2016

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Commissioned by Symphony Hall, Birmingham, for first performance on 13th October 2003 by 1200 children from Birmingham schools, with instrumentalists from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore. 

Subsequent performers of the work include children from Lichfield schools, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore, at the Lichfield Festival in July 2004; choristers and instrumentalists from South Hampstead High School for Girls (London), conducted by Paula Downes, in November 2003 (4 songs) and November 2004 (3 songs); Birmingham schoolchildren with the Central England Ensemble, conducted by David Gaukroger, in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, in November 2004. 

In 2019, the Meridian Singers, directed by Paula Downes gave the following performances: in June 2019 in St.John the Baptist Church, Holywell, Cambridgeshire (Song 2: Carnival); in July 2019 in Bluntisham Baptist Church, Cambridgeshire (Song 2: Carnival) and a performance of the whole work in October 2019 in Somersham Baptist Church.  At the Somersham performance of the whole work, Paula Downes directed from the violin and was accompanied by Joshua Cusworth (trumpet), David Cammish (bass guitar) and Olga Elbourn (keyboard). 

The first USA performance was given by children in Cambridge, Massachusetts, directed by Paula Downes. 

In June 2016, Paula Downes created six animations based on Songs of the Autumn. View videos here. She then went on to create lesson plans for primary school teachers based on these songs.

6 songs:-

1. Autumn setting of poem by Florence Hoatson (the arrival of Autumn)

2. Carnival setting of traditional poem from Trinidad (tropical weather, monsoon, hurricanes, general excitement, World Beat and Sea Festivals)

3. The Mid Autumn Moon setting of poem (adapted) by Li Qiao (China: Moon Festival)

4. The Cottager and her Infant setting of poem by Dorothy Wordsworth (Celtic Europe: ‘Samhain’ - Hallowe’en, damp and misty, darkness coming)

5. Feast of Lights setting of poem by Gouri V. Kalambi (India: ‘Navratri - festival time - ‘Diwali’)

6. Autumn Song setting of poem by Margaret Rose (the end of Autumn)

During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, on 14th November 2020, the Feast of Lights animation was shared online for Diwali.

Instrumental arrangements, by Cynthia Downes, of the songs, have been performed on numerous occasions by instrumentalists in Worcestershire. Song no.4, The Cottager and her Infant, in its instrumental arrangement, was performed by the Hagley Community Orchestra, conducted by Cynthia Downes, at the Christening of the composer's grandson, Oscar Andrew Leonard Price, in St Saviour's Church, Hagley, on March 18th, 2007.

A CD with synthesised sounds and vocal parts added by Paula Downes, soprano, is available for use by schools.  To order the CD, visit Contact page.

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Image from Paula Downes' animation adaptations of
Andrew Downes' Songs of the Skies, 2016

Listen on soundcloud
Watch Songs of the Skies on youtube
Read Cynthia Downes' Blog about the premiere
Conductor version of the videos for multimedia live performances
Watch Songs for the Planet on YouTube (conductor version here)
Purchase Performance/Practice CD
View lesson resources
FREE Word Sheet

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Commissioned by Symphony Hall, Birmingham, with financial assistance from British Airways, for first performance on 3rd October 2005, by over a thousand children from Birmingham schools, with Central England Ensemble (Leader Anna Downes), conducted by the composer. 

Paula Downes directed subsequent performances of Songs 1,2 and 4 at Linnaen Community School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, in April 2006, and at Haileybury College, Hertford Heath, UK, in March 2010.  In June and October 2019, she directed The Meridian Singers in a performance of Song 2 at the Patronal Festival in St John the Baptist Church, Holywell, Cambridgeshire, followed by a performance of the whole work in Bluntisham Baptist Church, Cambridge. For these performances, Paula used the backing CD which she made in 2005, and for the Bluntisham performance accompanying instrumentalists also played: Paul & Isabelle Galluzzo (violins), Amy Galluzzo (viola), Claire Stevenson (cello), Rhys Wilson (guitar), David Camish (bass guitar), Bradley Galluzzo (drum kit) and Olga Elbourn (keyboard). 

In May 2016, Paula Downes created six animations based on Songs of the Skies, which she launched on YouTube. View videos here.  She then went on to create lesson plans for primary school teachers based on these songs.

In 2018/19 she created adaptions of these songs & animations for Dr Hugh Hunt's campaign to warn people of global warming and advocate drastic reduction of travel by air and by car, and also to convey the messages that we should reduce our plastic & food waste. View Climate Change videos here. During Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year Paula posted We need to stop Flying from her animations of the songs, in July 2020.  She has also created a series of lesson resources on Climate Change for all ages based on these songs and animations here. 

6 songs:-

1. Lift your Eyes up to the Skies (Climate Change version: "We need to stop flying")

2. We are Flying Out to Elmdon (Climate Change version: "Avoiding the car")

3. Ghazal of Italy: Milan and Rome (Climate Change Version: "Zero Waste Shopping") See "The Sacred Influences on the Music of Andrew Downes" in our music education resources regarding this song

4. In Barcelona (Climate Change version: "Reducing Plastic Waste")

5. Où est Lyon? (Climate Change version: "Reducing Food Waste")

6. Questioning the Clouds (Climate Change Version: "We all need to talk")

A CD with synthesised sounds and vocal parts added by Paula Downes, soprano, available for use by schools.  To order the CD, visit Contact page.

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Image from Paula Downes' animation, "Avoiding the Car" with a stark message from Dr Hugh Hunt about Climate Change with music by Andrew Downes

Originally Songs of the Skies, in 2018/19 Paula Downes created adaptions of these songs and animations for Dr Hugh Hunt's campaign to warn people of global warming and advocate drastic reduction of travel by air and by car, and also to convey the messages that we should reduce our plastic and food waste and that we should talk about it. View Climate Change videos here. She has also created a series of lesson resources on Climate Change for all ages based on these songs and animations here.

6 songs:-
1. "We need to stop flying"
2. "Avoiding the car"
3. "Zero Waste Shopping"
4. "Reducing Plastic Waste"
5. "Reducing Food Waste"
6. "We all need to talk"

On July 3rd 2020 Paula shared We need to stop flying online during the Coronavirus pandemic and Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year.  On October 24th and December 19th 2020, also as part of Andrew Downes' 70th birthday year, she posted online a new version of all of the Songs for the Planet, with an improved accompaniment by Martin Carman.  These can be viewed/heard by clicking on the links beneath the grey order form above. 

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The Meridian Singers, Community Choir, Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire, directed by Paula Downes, regularly perform the music of Andrew Downes