M I K E R O B E R T S
C o l l a b o r a t i v e S o n g W r i t i n g w i t h C h o i r s
It was whilst singing in a choir, aged nine, that I decided to become a composer. Whilst too young to fully understand music, I was so acutely aware of its effect on my young life - my emotions, mood, and outlook - that choir quickly became the highlight of my week. Nothing else came close to the ecstasy and solace I found through music.
Several decades on, it’s been my joy to witness, time and time again, the transformative power of music in community - none more so than when a community of singers are released to participate in composing their own songs.
Here are a selection of songs from some key collaborative composition projects – projects where the songs have literally emerged through the process and surprised us all by their uniqueness. There are some bespoke songs here too, so you can glimpse part of my own solo ‘voice’ as a writer.
Please do get in touch when commissioning new music - I’d love to discuss how the process can be a fully inclusive, collaborative and transformational experience for your ensemble.
The EDEN Songbook
with Joyce DiDonato
Working with over 1,000 young people around the world, creating new songs in response to the climate challenge. Joyce's ground-breaking tour prioritised the engagement of young people as 'agents of change.
UNICEF Anthem
Even When We Sing
A bespoke commission to compose an ‘ambitious two-part’ piece for the school choirs. Based on aspects of UNICEF’s Charter for the Rights of the Child, the song, ‘Even When We Sing’, was born.
Community Song Book
A taster book of sheet music for some of the songs above. All songs may distributed and sung freely provided they are not used commercially
SINGING OUR LIVES
migrant & refugee community project
Lead composer for the first 7 songs of the Singing Our Lives project - bringing displaced people, those seeking sanctuary, and local communities together to compose and perform new songs
NEWS FROM NOWHERE
Community Song Symphony
Working as lead-composer with over 500 school children from Waltham Forest primary schools, each pupil was supported to contribute a musical idea to this epic community 'song symphony'.
Testimonials
“I don't know anyone else who does what Mike does. This has exceeded my expectations… it really is the exact example of planting a seed, and having it blossom into something huge…”
Joyce DiDonato
(Opera Singer, EDEN project)
“Mike enabled every participant to express their ideas and emotions in a kind and engaging manner… harnessing creativity from amateurs to an extraordinary level. He is that rare example of a composer with no ego, who would without hesitation go every extra mile to ensure that the work would be a success and accurately reflect the input of the many hundreds of contributors."
Jeremy Haneman
(Musical Director, Singing Our Lives)
“The buy-in from the students was immense. Everyone had a valid and valuable part to play, and the students felt listened to – their creativity was captured in snapshots and song.”
Kirsten Grahame
(Choir Director, Horfield Primary School)
“The News from Nowhere project related perfectly with the children and resulted in a work of real excellence. The music, song and narrative were just superb and was a true and great interpretation of Morris' ideals. I had to walk away at one point to keep a handle on the emotions, an absolutely brilliant piece of music.”
Eamon O'Michail
(Head of Arts and Events, Waltham Forest)