The Breath of Life concert - SHREWSBURY ABBEY

The Breath of Life - concert with Shrewsbury Choral and friends

Matthew Coleridge conducts a performance of his "radiant" choral work The Breath of Life, sung by a massed choir from Shrewsbury Choral Society, Shrewsbury School choirs and singers from around the UK. 

One of the UK's leading choral composers, Coleridge's music has touched the hearts of singers and audiences around the world.

With professional string ensemble led by Anne Tupling, harp, organ and percussion.

"from the shimmering stillness of its opening to its elemental evocation of thunder, vivid echoes of the natural world and warmth of hymn-like praise, the music brims with rhythmic energy, lyrical beauty and emotional depth"

photo by Michael Beckwith

ABOUT THE BREATH OF LIFE

The Breath of Life is a joyful and uplifting new cantata by composer Matthew Coleridge.

Scored for choir and chamber orchestra, this radiant work draws on sacred texts, hymns and poetry to explore themes of Christianity, spirituality and humanism.

From the shimmering stillness of its opening to its elemental evocation of thunder, vivid echoes of the natural world and warmth of hymn-like praise, the music brims with rhythmic energy, lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

Rooted in the English choral tradition yet refreshingly modern in voice, The Breath of Life is a piece that encourages both reflection and celebration.

Accessible, deeply moving, and irresistibly singable, it is a work that choirs will want to perform, and audiences will return to again and again.

Oliver Condy