Work sings local praises

Thames Pageant, a cantata specially composed by the late Sir Andrzej Panufnik for Twickenham schoolchildren more than 30 years ago, is included in a concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

The Polish-born composer had recently moved into his Thames-side home at Twickenham, where his widow still lives, when he was invited to write a work for the borough's schools.

It had its premiere at nearby St Mary's Church in 1969 and was subsequently performed at Kingston Parish Church.

Important

In his 1987 autobiography, Panufnik wrote: "Meanwhile, my newly established Twickenham roots led me into another composition, not significant in my creative development, but important to me because I wanted to help encourage children towards music, as well as to express my appreciation of my new environment.

"In 1969 I was asked to write a cantata for young singers and instrumentalists from all the schools in our locality.

"Though I was longing to continue my experiments with my three-note cells, I accepted this commission and decided to base the cantata on the River Thames, which runs right through the centre of the borough."

Lady Panufnik the photographer/author Camilla Jessel wrote the text, which charted Thames history from Julius Caesar to the Boat Race.

Around 400 children took part in the premiere. "Though not excessively polished, I found the performance an extremely moving event," the composer wrote.

"Disaster almost struck at the first performance; the crucial side-drum player, aged 11, lost his nerve and failed to turn up.

"Fortunately, one of the great professionals of the percussion world was in the audience James Blades.

"Afterwards he said he would have played much better if he had brought his glasses and been able to see the notes clearly."

Sunday's performance will be given by the Crouch End Festival Chorus and school choirs from north London. Box office 020 7960 4201.

July 12, 2002 12:00