From Alexander L'Estrange, the composer of Zimbe! (over 100 performances worldwide now) comes Ahoy! Sing for the Mary Rose. Commissioned to celebrate the opening of the new Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, the 45-minute cantata for narrator, unison children's choir, SATB chorus and jazz band blends sea shanties, Tudor melodies and original music in a celebration of Henry VIII's flagship. The work was premiered on 24 June as part of the Portsmouth Festivities, with guest narration by Hugh Dennis. The vocal score is now in print, and there's a CD too. More at ahoymaryrose.com
‘Alexander L’Estrange has done it again! Following the success of Zimbe! he has created another brilliantly inventive cantata for massed choirs and band, incorporating catchy tunes, toe-tapping shanties and some touching musical moments which is engaging and accessible. Choirs of all ages will love performing this piece. I loved every second of it!’
Ben Parry, Composer & Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain
‘Sailing proudly in the wake of Zimbe!, Alexander L’Estrange has come up with a nautical winner in Ahoy!, full of good tunes to sing, vibrant rhythmic drive and (so important to all choral directors) music that will be fun to rehearse as well as to perform.’
Jonathan Willcocks