Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: The Open Fund for Organisations
For:
The Burning Boy - Stephen McNeff / Charles Causley
The Burning Boy is a major commission to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and celebrate the centenary of Cornish poet, Charles Causley. As the orchestra for the Southwest the BSO covers a wide geographical remit and is committed to working with communities with music that has local relevance. Therefore we are bringing professionals and community together in a commission with true local heritage.
The Burning Boy tells the story of the prophet Elisha and the raising of the boy from the dead. The source is Biblical, but Causley transposes it to the West Country and blends it with the ritual of the harvest and the myths of the corn spirits. It is a lively and poetic text reflecting Causley’s understanding of rural traditions which is infused with an energy from influences as diverse as Music Hall and navy slang.
Described as ‘a Miracle Play for Music Theatre’ the music was never written, but this is one of the most important, as yet unperformed, Causley texts. This project will enable Charles Causley & Stephen McNeff’s vision to be finally realized.
Stephen McNeff has been exclusively working as a professional composer for over 40 years and has an extensive catalogue of works published by Peters Edition as well as commercial recordings, reviews, articles and awards. He is well acknowledged in the field of dramatic musical works and is recognized as one of the UK’s most successful composers of works which combine professionals and amateurs.