A SPECIALLY composed music by composer David Cowell, commissioned by the Evesham Abbey Trust, was performed at Evesham’s Henrician Theatre Evesham and brought a standing ovation and demands for an encore.

It was performed by an ensemble orchestra involving eight Vale of Evesham schools and more than 120 children aged eight to 18.

The 10-movement musical suite was inspired by the history of the abbey and included elements of the medieval scores discovered in the Matthew Bible housed in the Evesham Almonry Museum.

The musical elements were linked by poetry written by Lawrence Stribling and narrated by Elizabeth Spencer. The Souvenir programme was illustrated by Guy Spencer.

A packed audience, included Evesham Mayor Sue Amor, county councillor Alastair Adams and Cllr Robert Raphael of Wychavon District Council.

Head of Prince Henry’s, Dr Tony Evans, said: “I would just like to say what a wonderful evening the Trust coordinated for our young people and their families in Evesham.

“It truly was a fabulous occasion and it was beautiful to see the younger children being motivated and supported by their elder peers.”