After 47 extraordinary years as Music Director of Vasari Singers, Jeremy Backhouse (S71 – 75) is preparing to take his final bow. To celebrate his remarkable contribution to British choral music and to look ahead to the future he has helped inspire, Vasari Singers is launching an ambitious new project: Farewell Songs.
This landmark initiative brings together seven leading British composers to create a contemporary response to Hubert Parry’s much-loved Songs of Farewell. The resulting work will honour Jeremy’s legacy while adding a significant new contribution to the choral repertoire for future generations.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
When Jeremy joined Vasari Singers in 1980, he was asked to conduct the choir “until they found someone else”. Nearly five decades later, he has transformed that small chamber choir into one of the UK’s most respected and versatile vocal ensembles.
Under Jeremy’s leadership, Vasari Singers has developed one of the most active commissioning programmes in British choral music, premiering and recording numerous new works that have enriched the national and international choral landscape. More than 25 new compositions have been commissioned during his tenure, helping to nurture and showcase some of the finest contemporary choral composers of our time.
As Jeremy’s final season approaches, Farewell Songs reflects everything that has defined his vision: artistic excellence, innovation and a commitment to creating new music.
Reimagining a Choral Masterpiece
Inspired by Parry’s Songs of Farewell, written between 1916 and 1918, Farewell Songs invites seven celebrated British composers to revisit the same texts through a contemporary lens.
Each composer has a longstanding connection with Vasari Singers and has been personally selected by Jeremy. Together they will create seven new pieces, including a newly commissioned Requiem aeternam, offering a message of hope and renewal alongside themes of reflection and farewell.
The completed work will be recorded for the internationally renowned Naxos label, with a planned release in autumn 2027. To ensure a lasting impact, the music will also be professionally published, allowing choirs around the world to perform and enjoy these works for years to come.
Seven Composers, One Shared Journey
The project brings together an exceptional group of composers who have played an important role in Vasari’s musical story:, Gabriel Jackson, Will Todd, Bob Chilcott, Roxanna Panufnik, Jonathan Rathbone, Francis Pott, Cecilia McDowall.
Each has written for, collaborated with, or been championed by Vasari Singers over many years. Their collective contribution makes Farewell Songs both a tribute to Jeremy’s leadership and a celebration of the relationships that have shaped the choir’s artistic journey.
Looking to the Future
While Farewell Songs marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, it is equally about new beginnings. This project will create a lasting musical legacy, extending Jeremy Backhouse’s influence far beyond his final concert by placing new music into the hands of choirs for generations to come.
By commissioning, recording and publishing these works, Vasari Singers continues the mission that has defined the choir for nearly half a century: championing new music and ensuring that choral singing remains vibrant, relevant and inspiring.
How You Can Help
Every contribution to our Crowdfunder will help bring Farewell Songs to life. Donations will directly support composer commissions, the Naxos recording project and the publication of the completed score, enabling choirs everywhere to discover and perform this remarkable new work.
If you have enjoyed Jeremy’s music-making over the years, or simply believe in the power of new music to inspire future generations, we invite you to be part of this special project.
If you feel that you would like to make a contribution to this project, no matter how small can be done via this “Crowd Funding” Link Together, we can celebrate an extraordinary legacy and help write the next chapter of the Vasari Singers story.
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