Commissioned jointly by the Salisbury, Chelsea and Lichfield Festivals with funds provided by the Arts Council of England and the PRS Foundation. First performed by Mark Padmore (tenor), Philippe Honoré (violin), the Britten Sinfonia, conducted by the composer, with the Salisbury Festival Chorus and Salisbury Area Young Musicians Junior Choir, Salisbury Cathedral, 31 May 2008; with the Joyful Company of Singers and Redcliffe School Junior Choir, Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, Chelsea, 18 June 2008; and with the Lichfield Festival Chorus and Childrens Choir, Lichfield Cathedral, 8 July 2008.