Bournemouth Symphony Chorus is to perform the local premiere of a new work by composer Paul Carr at Lighthouse, Poole centre for the arts, on Saturday 16 July. 

Inspired by The Four Seasons, Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless classic, The Four New Seasons sets twelve poems, three for each season, ranging from Emily Dickinson and Sarojini Naidu to William Shakespeare and Walt Whitman. Written as a companion piece to Vivaldi’s famous concertos, it is an exploration of responses to the changing seasons and reflections on love. 

Co-commissioned by four choirs, each season is dedicated to one of the choirs – Spring (Bath Minerva Choir), Summer (Dallas Chamber Choir), Autumn (English Arts Chorale) and Winter (Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Lighthouse). 

“Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, as choir in residence at Lighthouse, aspires to commission new work,” says Carolyn Date MBE, Chorus Manager for Bournemouth Symphony Chorus. “Having four commissioning partners for The Four New Seasons means this new work has been commissioned affordably and ensures more performances and creates important international links with the Dallas Chamber Choir.”  

Lighthouse Chief Executive, Elspeth McBain adds: “Lighthouse actively encourages the creation of art and saw this project as an opportunity to present accessible and engaging new music.” 

Conducted by Gavin Carr, in the first half of the concert Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are joined by the acclaimed young violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason for the performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. 

Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Orchestra will be recording The Four New Seasons for release later in 2022. 

Lighthouse has also supported Bournemouth Symphony Chorus in the commissioning of a new large-scale Carol for the Carols concert with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in December.