Five Beacons of Light – A Cantata for the Sea
Friday 3rd July 2026, 7:30 PM at The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU.
Programme
Cheryl Frances-Hoad – Five Beacons of Light
Performers
Neil Ferris – Conductor
Michael Higgins – piano
Sonoro
Cornwall Youth Choirs
Programme Note
Five Beacons of Light is a newly commissioned choral work by composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad and librettist Di Sherlock, a celebration of the human spirit as a creative force, inspired by the vision and determination of coastal communities who conceived, fought for, and built four rock lighthouses. Young voices express their fears and hopes about the environment through music and equally celebrate the possibility of a different future that supports all life. The young singers become the fifth ‘Beacon of Light’.
Five Beacons of Light will be performed by Sonoro and local youth choirs in areas throughout the UK during 2026. For the performance at the Minack, Sonoro is delighted to perform alongside Cornwall Youth Choirs, directed by Angela Renshaw. Much of CYC’s mission is to protect the local environment and empower young people through music.
Founded in 2016 by Neil Ferris and Michael Higgins, Sonoro combines a passion for excellence in choral music and education. Based in London, the choir regularly perform in concerts and festivals throughout the UK, as well as facilitating ‘Come and Sing’ days, workshops in schools and conducting masterclasses. Sonoro regularly commissions new works by established and emerging composers and has recorded several albums.