Wanting to commission a work especially for its Caledonian tour

The JAM: sound theatricals programme includes a world premiere by Rory Boyle in celebration of his 60th birthday, a Scottish premiere by Stuart MacRae and Paul Mealor’s global success Ubi Caritas, as performed at the wedding of The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.

Wanting to commission a work especially for its Caledonian tour, JAM is very excited to be working with Rory Boyle, helping to bring to life a work he has had in mind for some time. Boyle’s Tallis’s Light is written for brass quintet and organ.

Boyle comments “I first came across Tallis’s perfect little “Hymnus” O Nata Lux when I was a chorister at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and its simple starkness has affected me ever since. I found it difficult to shake off its sublime influence and so, when I was commissioned by JAM, I felt that this was a great opportunity to mark this ‘friend’ of so many years by making what is effectively a fantasia based on Tallis’s work.”

Keen to continue its commitment to developing young talent, JAM will once again unite the university choirs of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and St Andrews, setting an exciting challenge for these young singers, choirmasters and conductor, Michael Bawtree. Rising stars Tom Wilkinson (organ) and Pure Brass, plus Rebecca Afonwy-Jones and Michel de Souza (both Emerging Artists from Scottish Opera), will join the choirs.

JAM: sound theatricals will showcase Scottish contemporary classical music-making at its best, delivering outstanding performance and technical ability. Together we will bring exceptional colour and dimension to the cultural ecology.

JAM is delighted to be supported by Creative Scotland through its National Lottery investment, enabling our return to this vibrant country.

Ed Armitage, JAM Chairman and Artistic Director comments “I have admired Rory Boyle’s work for many years and am thrilled that he’s written this dazzling piece for JAM, during his 60th birthday celebrations. With amazing acclaim from audiences and media, Scotland has become an essential part of JAM’s schedule. I am delighted to be working here with such inspired composers and performers.”