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Maiden Voyage (Hymn for a Ship of Sorrow)

Wind Orchestra

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Maiden Voyage (Hymn for a Ship of Sorrow) was commissioned by Archbishop Beck School, Liverpool, UK, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The city of Liverpool and its surrounding areas was ubiquitous with The Titanic; many of the ship’s builders were from Liverpool (although it was built in Belfast), the crew of the ship had a large Liverpudlian contingent as had the onboard musicians. The ship’s bell also has a strong connection having been made by Utley’s, a St. Helens based company.

The work is constructed as a series of short hymns and songs – perhaps in memory of those who died 100 years ago, or maybe the memories of those on The Titanic as they were about to perish. As I was commissioned by a school in Liverpool, I wanted Maiden Voyage to have a clear connection to the city – so the work begins and ends with a sounding of the ship’s bell.

Maiden Voyage (Hymn for a Ship of Sorrow) was commissioned by, and dedicated to, Bruce Hicks and The Archbishop Beck School Wind Band