Reflections on Come, Come, Ye Saints

About

The Rationale:

The Hymn Project was conceived by Glenn Gordon of Melbourne, Australia as a celebration of the great LDS hymn “Come, Come, Ye Saints”. Glenn approached a number of LDS and Australian composers to write a “reflection” on the text of the hymn. In this way, composers and audience will be given the opportunity to consider carefully the text of this celebrated hymn by William Clayton, without reference to its familiar and much-loved melody. It was hoped that each composers would bring an individual creative response to the task and thus shed light on the text. Each composer involved rose to the challenge with great enthusiasm producing works of individuality and beauty.

While the participating composers were “commissioned” in the sense that they were asked to be involved, each volunteered their talents to the project and no commissioning fees were paid to composers. The Hymn Project is an opportunity for Latter-day Saints and the music-loving public in Melbourne to experience new music by LDS and Australian composers in world first performances through a concert, the likes of which have never before been attempted in Australia.

The Event:

The event will consist of a concert with the Melbourne Chamber Choir, conducted by Faye Dumont on August 16, 2009. Faye founded the Melbourne Chamber Choir 25 years ago. They are a professional choir who hold an annual concert series. The Hymn Project forms part of that concert series in 2009.

In addition to the Choir, their will be piano and organ accompanists as well as harp and marimba and vocal soloists in several of the works.

In addition to the choral works being premiered, there will be several instrumental works based on the hymn tune of “Come, Come, Ye Saints”, including a new work by Australian composer John W Grant.