Gratitude

Let Acapellies Community Choir, led by Eleanor Holliday, take you on a musical journey  – a song-cycle for our times –  inspired by prize-winning poet Alice Oswald’s poem ‘Gratitude’, written during lockdown.

The Gratitude Project is a sung piece comprising a series of new and traditional polyphonic songs which move through the cycles of Lamentation, Healing and Gratitude. We have all experienced a great deal of fear, worry and loneliness over the past 12+ months and this musical recital is designed to address those collective feelings and provide a gentle way for people to come together again and give thanks. 

Acapellies Community Choir, based in Stroud, will perform the songs unaccompanied and without any amplification.
They will also perform the poetry together in interludes of choral speaking.
There will be periods of silence to signify the cultural emptiness we have all experienced.
The soundscape will be interpreted visually by dancers.

The performance lasts 30 minutes and takes place in the light and airy Walled Garden Pavilion. Doors will be kept wide open for fresh air and good ventilation, so warm layers may be appropriate.  Due to the special nature of this event and the layout of the venue, we ask all ticket holders to arrive in good time – latecomers will not be admitted.  We also ask the audience to refrain from applause until the end of the performance and to be aware that filming and photography are not permitted.  

This performance project has been supported by Stroud Arts Festival, Ecotricity and Stroud Town Council.