……….. The Choral Society performed four of Ray Saunders’ compositions in our Autumn Concert in December 2012
………. I myself really like the striking melodies, the poetic nature of the lyrics and the different ways in which the mood of the music evokes a song’s meaning
……… If you are the Musical Director or Chair of a Choral Society I would urge you to give Ray’s work a listen.
Six Sheet Music Compilations
Below are my six Sheet Music compilations to date, offering a variety of music for choral societies and musical theatre groups.
Two of them, ‘A Better World” and ‘A New Spring’ are Modern, Contemporary Operas dealing with Modern Themes
There are two versions of my Opera ‘A Better World’ .
Version One. There is the original 2013 version, number 5 below, which is 40 minutes long with narration and an accompanying slide show. Within that a shorter version can be performed.
Here is a review of that original 2013 version
National Association of Choirs (NAC Review 2017) – Extracts – ‘ A Better World ‘
……..’I commend Ray for tackling such a difficult subject and interpreting it in choral form.
……..the cantata is a bold work
.…… it highlights the plight of refugees from the worlds conflict zones.
……..musically there is a relentless drive throughout the piece
……..it would be an interesting, if long, work to include in a choir’s repertoire
……..it highlights the British diversity in choral music.‘
Karl Harper for NAC
Version Two. In response to the NAC review there is now a revised 2016 version, 20 minutes long, number 4 below, which is a selection of 7 songs from the original. The words to the song ‘Ever in Hope’ have been reviewed and amended.
To view, purchase and download sheet music go to the Contact/Orders page.
Audio excerpts, mainly solos, of songs from my two Operas ‘A New Spring’ and ‘A Better World’ are showcased below. Slides to accompany each song plus a side show for each of the two Operas are available on request.
Songs from the Opera ‘A New Spring’………
The Story Begins
One Moment in Time
After the Battle
I Hear you Calling
The Glow of a Light
Cherry Tree – On Home Page
Crying Angel
A New Spring
Songs from the Opera ‘A Better World’ 2016
A Better World
Country of my Birth
On the Quay
Marching to Freedom
One Step Forward
Let me in – On Home Page
Ever in Hope