Tony Biggin – Composer

Cry of the Earthis a large-scale choral/ orchestral piece (65 mins), recently revised, for Narrators, Soloists, SATB Chorus and Extended Orchestra which explores the most important issue of our times – climate change and the environment. It is particularly suitable for good Youth Choirs and Orchestras as well as professional and amateur ensembles.

Celebrating the women’s peace protest at Greenham Common,The Gates of Greenhamwas first performed in 1985 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. It has subsequently been performed in Sheffield, Manchester, Leiden and Utrecht where it was broadcast on Dutch TV. A recording made by Sain Records, Ltd features Sheila Hancock (narrator) with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Quaker Festival Chorus conducted by John Hywel.The Gates of Greenhamis scored for 4 Soloists, SATB Chorus and extended orchestra with guitar, bass and drums and runs for 100 minutes in 2 parts.

The Gates of Greenham is available on iTunes

 

 

For Four Part Choir, Soprano Soloist with Chamber Orchestra, Organ or Piano, theRequiem combines excerpts from the Latin Mass with additional English texts. Each of the seven movements can be performed separately or as part of a continuous whole. Tuneful throughout the work includes moments of great intensity. The Requiem has 7 movements: 1. Requiem; 2. Anger: Guilt; 3. Remember Me (Rossetti);           4. Agnus Dei;  5. Hurt;  6. Pie Jesu;  7. If Only (Davison);  8. Et Lux Perpetua:      9. Requiem.

 

Rhoed y Gair , for Male Choir and Orchestra was commissioned and first performed by the Brythoniad Male Choir with the North Wales Philharmonia Orchestra to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the translation of the Bible into Welsh. The first performance was recorded and televised and a documentary film was broadcast. Two of the work’s sections, Y Gwynfydau andEin Tadcan be performed independently and have featured in concerts and at Eisteddfodau including at the National Eisteddfod.

And also –

Just Give Us The Flowers Now,

with words by Alan Osborne, which was first performed by Evelyn Glennie, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and numerous community youth music groups from the South Wales Valleys.

Unseen,with words by Phil Christopher, was commissioned by Edge Hill University. It is a choral drama which explores international human rights abuse, and Britain’s role within it.

The Forbidden Hymnis a ‘people’s opera’ and community event, with words by Alan Osborne, was commissioned by Islwyn Borough council to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Chartist uprising in Gwent