Inspired by her recent work with the Gori Women’s Choir Katie Melua is inviting choirs across Europe to perform their own renditions of one of the songs from her acclaimed new album ‘In Winter’.
In a video to launch the competition Katie says: “My latest album has been a team up with the Gori Women’s Choir from Georgia. They have been so inspiring to me but I know there are lots of amazing choirs out there so I want to see if you might be up for adopting one of the songs – ‘Dreams On Fire’ – from the new album and bringing it to life in your own way”.
The top prize will see Katie visiting the winning choir in its hometown to perform ‘Dreams On Fire’ with the choir. Full details of the competition can be viewed at katiemelua.com/choir-competition-en/. The entry deadline is February 28th 2017 at midnight.
Watch Katie’s performance of ‘Dreams On Fire’ with the Gori Women’s Choir here: YOUTUBE. Sheet music can be downloaded from the competition page.
‘Dreams On Fire’ is written by Katie Melua and Don Black, with choral arrangements by Bob Chilcott. The song was premiered on Radio 2 by Michael Ball who said at the time “what a lovely sound, very mellow, very evocative. The sound of the choir…utterly beautiful”. Speaking about the song Katie explained “I feel the stillness of the winter season really causes us to reflect on our lives and relationships, wondering if our loved ones share the same feelings when it comes to growth and the fear of change. I consider Don Black a master of lyric writing, and the words in this song sit right at the heart of a lover’s insecurity.”
Warmly arranged and beautifully executed, ‘In Winter’ is a unique collection of songs centred round the theme of winter. Ranging from original works inspired by Katie’s childhood in Georgia, to new interpretations of traditional carols, choral works and folk songs, and performed by Katie and the Gori Women’s Choir in English, Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian and Georgian, the album features the arrangements of world-renowned choral arranger Bob Chilcott and is co-produced by Katie herself. In addition to ‘Dreams On Fire’ Katie weaves in a pristine cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘River’, a spellbinding ‘All Night Vigil–Nunc Dimittis’ (Rachmaninov), the stunningly beautiful ‘The Little Swallow’ and a restrained and enchanting version of ‘O Holy Night’ to deliver a remarkable record which has been widely praised.
“Bewitching, ravishing, spellbinding” Sunday Times Culture
“a refined, romantic album – Katie’s best yet” – Daily Mail
“exquisite…remarkable..” “Katie has embarked on a new and intriguingly creative phase to her career” Independent
“cocoa-warm and comforting” – the i
“bewitching” – Evening Standard
“A very special album” “A delicate, masterful hand in the production chair from Melua herself” “Something that will stand the test of time” The Arts Desk
“If you are looking for a winter listen, looking for a Christmas album…look no further really…Some beautiful choral moments…. Really beautiful” Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music
