A moving experience - Tim Boniface's 'Psalter: Themes for Peace'

Saxophonist and composer Tim Boniface brought his brand new original work 'Psalter: Themes for Peace' to St Albans Cathedral in an intensely moving experience.

The music was composed for performance in the cathedral under the stunning ‘Peace Doves’ artwork that celebrates and welcomes peace. Tim selected specific readings from the Psalms, read on the evening by Canon Dr Hilary Marlow at the beginning of each of the six movements.

In a fascinating balance between composition and improvisation, the music explores biblical themes and our response to diverse perceptions and expressions of peace from throughout the Psalms.

Joining Tim at St Albans for this premiere were three of the UK’s foremost jazz musicians. James Pearson (piano) is often seen at Ronnie Scott’s, where he is artistic director as well as a virtuoso on the keys. Malcolm Creese (bass) was best known for his work with Cleo Laine and John Dankworth and is founding member of Jazz combo Acoustic Triangle. John Ormston (drums) is often seen and heard alongside Guy Barker, Stan Sulzman and the London Jazz Orchestra. 

In a packed Cathedral and beneath the thousands of Peace Doves that danced above them, this hugely talented quartet performed Psalter to an appreciative audience. There will be a chance to hear this music performed again, but I, for one, was glad to be at the premiere.