A HELENSBURGH choir will perform the world premiere of a brand new work this weekend – a year and a half after it was originally due to be sung in public for the first time.

The Helensburgh Oratorio Choir will perform Breathing Place, composed specially for the choir by Aileen Sweeney, at Helensburgh Parish Church on Sunday, November 28.

The work was created after the choir received funding from the Rural Scotland ‘Adopt a Composer’ scheme, and was originally due to receive its premiere on May 31, 2020 until Covid forced the choir to put all of its activities on hold.

The work features words written by Martin Raymond reflecting choir members’ love for the area in which they live, and their concern at the damage being done to the environment, both locally and around the world.

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Representatives of Making Music will be at the premiere, and Creative Scotland will also be invited to attend.

A spokesperson for the choir said: “The choir is very proud and excited to to be performing this piece in front of an audience after it was postponed due to Covid restrictions.”

The concert forms part of the Helensburgh Parish Church “Sunday at Seven” concert programme and will start with a rendition of Vivaldi’s Gloria.

The Adopt a Composer scheme is funded by Creative Scotland and the Philip and Dorothy Green Music Trust, and the performance will be recorded.

Admission is free, with the opportunity to give a donation as you leave.