This programme flows from Judith Weir鈥檚 longstanding relationship with the outstanding vocal ensemble the 成人快手 Singers. She describes her 鈥渂lue hills beyond blue hills鈥� as 鈥渟etting to music around 55 brief poems by the Scottish poet Alan Spence, mostly haiku, with occasional tanka (another, slightly longer, Japanese form). I have also included a couple of quotations from the historical Japanese poets Issa and Basho鈥�. The poems 鈥渇ollow the progress of a year, and portray the passing of time through small changes in nature and everyday life. I have selected poems from these collections to create a five-movement cycle which approximately follows the seasons, starting with spring, through summer, autumn, winter and ending with a hymn to the New Year鈥�. It is a work of supreme beauty and grace.

It is performed alongside Judith鈥檚 own choice of Haydn鈥檚 鈥淪unrise鈥� Quartet, played by the exceptional Castalian Quartet. Its magical opening evokes the dawn of a new day.

The concert is completed by another major Messiaen work, the Cinq Rechants.