Home / Arts and Entertainment / Dales Sheep Farming Inspires New Choral Masterpiece
Dales Sheep Farming Inspires New Choral Masterpiece
23 Aug
Summary
- A new choral work celebrates Yorkshire Dales sheep farming heritage.
- Langcliffe Singers commissioned and performed the musical piece.
- Composer Vahan Salorian researched Dales farming for the music.
A new three-part choral work, "A Shepherd's Year," has been commissioned to celebrate the enduring sheep farming heritage of the Yorkshire Dales. This musical tribute, inspired by families who have farmed the land for over a century, aims to honor the area's rich agricultural past and hopeful future.
The Langcliffe Singers, celebrating their 40th anniversary, commissioned the piece and recently performed it to a full house, accompanied by the Settle Orchestra. Composer Vahan Salorian, who grew up in the Dales, conducted extensive research for "A Shepherd's Year."
Salorian's research included attending autumn sheep sales at Skipton Auction mart and speaking with local farmers like John Dawson at Bleak Bank Farm. He also engaged with local schoolchildren to gather diverse perspectives for the composition.
The resulting choral work is described as a joyous and moving piece that has significantly strengthened community bonds. "A Shepherd's Year" stands as a lasting legacy to the vibrant farming culture of the Yorkshire Dales.
