Join composer, conductor, and Viking godmother Debbie Wiseman, OBE, as she hosts the extraordinary Sir Willard White for a special performance of “Windrush,” featuring the evocative words of Grahame Davies. This song was inspired by the story of the Windrush generation, highlighting the history and impact of the Caribbean people who characterised mass migration to Britain after World War II.
Debbie Wiseman, OBE
Debbie Wiseman is one of the UK’s most celebrated composers and conductors. With a career spanning film, television, and concert music, Wiseman’s compositions have graced a wide array of platforms. She has composed music for critically acclaimed films such as “Wilde” and “Tom & Viv,” and her television scores include “Wolf Hall” and “Father Brown.” As an OBE recipient, Wiseman’s contributions to music have been officially recognised, cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary composition. Her work often combines rich emotional depth with narrative storytelling, making her compositions both memorable and moving.
Sir Willard White, OM, CBE
Sir Willard White is a Jamaican-born bass-baritone who has captivated audiences around the globe with his powerful voice and compelling stage presence. His illustrious career has seen him perform in the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Knighted for his services to music, White’s accolades also include an OM and a CBE, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the arts. His ability to convey profound emotion through his performances makes him a perfect interpreter of the “Windrush” song.
Grahame Davies
Grahame Davies is a renowned poet and author from Wales, whose works often explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural heritage. His collaboration with Wiseman on “Windrush” brings his lyrical sensitivity and profound understanding of historical narratives to the forefront, creating a text that is both moving and thought-provoking. Davies’ poetry often reflects a deep engagement with social issues, making his contribution to this project particularly resonant.
“Windrush” is a deeply moving piece that pays tribute to the Windrush generation, celebrating their invaluable contributions and reflecting on their experiences. The collaboration between Wiseman and Davies ensures that the narrative is conveyed with both sensitivity and strength.
This performance promises to be more than just a concert; it will be an immersive experience that honours the legacy of the Windrush generation. Audiences can expect to be moved by the combination of Wiseman’s stirring compositions and White’s commanding vocal performance.
The unique collaboration between Wiseman and White underscores the power of music and poetry to tell compelling stories that resonate through generations. This event is not to be missed, offering a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of two extraordinary talents in a performance that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Here is a link to a short video telling you a little about the composition and the story behind the song, as well as a complete performance of the song at the end of the video: Watch the Video