Malala
Reviews
'The last movement's declaration of solidarity with "Daughters of Swat! Of Afghanistan! Of India! Of Africa! Of America!" is undeniably rousing...The singing was magnificent' The Times
'In common with the composer’s other recent works, 17 Days and Codebreaker, James McCarthy has an uncanny ability to crystallise events, choose appropriate texts – in this case the words of Pakistani writer Bina Shah – and forge a work of significant musical substance, and which has relevance in the world today. The orchestration was perfectly judged, and the Crouch End Festival Chorus rose to the occasion superbly, abetted by over 100 girls of Malala’s age from three London schools, who sang with tunefulness and clarity. The overriding sentiment at the end of the 30 minutes’ work was one of hope for the future, "and the world sang back, we are all Malala". We will hear much more of Malala’s work in our lifetimes, and we can but hope to hear this interpretation of her journey much more, as well.' ClassicalNE1fm
More than 100 girls from three different London schools were among the performers for this piece. Seeing them up onstage, concentrating fiercely on the conductor David Temple’s baton as they sang of Malala’s story, was an inspiring sight. It was hard not to be moved to see her message of inclusion, action and education enacted by fellow schoolgirls.' New Statesman
'As a work of political art, Malala is a powerful statement of a truth that shouldn’t need stating, and is axiomatic in this country, that young women should be educated. But will this statement be heard by those elsewhere who need convincing?' The Arts Desk
'The last movement's declaration of solidarity with "Daughters of Swat! Of Afghanistan! Of India! Of Africa! Of America!" is undeniably rousing...The singing was magnificent' The Times
'In common with the composer’s other recent works, 17 Days and Codebreaker, James McCarthy has an uncanny ability to crystallise events, choose appropriate texts – in this case the words of Pakistani writer Bina Shah – and forge a work of significant musical substance, and which has relevance in the world today. The orchestration was perfectly judged, and the Crouch End Festival Chorus rose to the occasion superbly, abetted by over 100 girls of Malala’s age from three London schools, who sang with tunefulness and clarity. The overriding sentiment at the end of the 30 minutes’ work was one of hope for the future, "and the world sang back, we are all Malala". We will hear much more of Malala’s work in our lifetimes, and we can but hope to hear this interpretation of her journey much more, as well.' ClassicalNE1fm
More than 100 girls from three different London schools were among the performers for this piece. Seeing them up onstage, concentrating fiercely on the conductor David Temple’s baton as they sang of Malala’s story, was an inspiring sight. It was hard not to be moved to see her message of inclusion, action and education enacted by fellow schoolgirls.' New Statesman
'As a work of political art, Malala is a powerful statement of a truth that shouldn’t need stating, and is axiomatic in this country, that young women should be educated. But will this statement be heard by those elsewhere who need convincing?' The Arts Desk
Codebreaker
for SATB Choir, Solo Soprano and Orchestra
World premiere recording
World premiere recording
17 Days
for SATB Choir, Brass ensemble, Percussion and Piano
World premiere recording
World premiere recording
