Elektra Women’s Choir – The Lost Words: A Spell Book

Mon 19 Jun

All the way from Canada, the world-renowned Elektra women’s choir presents the European premiere of The Lost Words: A Spell Book – their evocative musical interpretation of the celebrated book by author Robert Macfarlane and visual artist Jackie Morris.

Described by The Guardian as a ‘cultural phenomenon’ and acclaimed as an instant classic, the book has been a huge bestseller since its publication in 2017, taking root in schools across Britain, transcending age barriers and inspiring children and adults alike with its broad appeal.

Intended to conjure back into our lives twenty everyday nature words  – including “acorn”, “bluebell”, “kingfisher” and “wren” – which were not used enough to merit inclusion in the Oxford Junior Dictionary, the book’s “spells” represent a literary “re-wilding of childhood” and a celebration of the near-lost magic of nature that still surrounds us.

Narrated by Peterborough’s own Jane Smith (ex BBC Cambridgeshire), the performance will be a treat for the eyes and ears, with large-screen projection of the book’s illustrations and specially-commissioned compositions performed by Elektra and a small ensemble of instrumentalists.

Known internationally for its leadership in developing compelling new repertoire for women’s choirs, Elektra has commissioned ten leading Canadian composers to set two “spells” each: Carmen Braden, Alex Eddington, Katerina Gimon, Nicholas Ryan Kelly, Ramona Luengen, Don Macdonald, Monica Pearce, Marie-Claire Saindon, Rodney Sharman, Stephen Smith.

Text © Robert Macfarlane 2017 Illustrations © Jackie Morris 2017