A proud composer hopes the premiere of his musical masterpiece is the start of its long-lasting legacy.
Martin Emslie, 57, unveiled his 80-minute oratorio, Omega and Alpha, to hundreds of spectators at Wells Cathedral on Saturday evening.
The composition tells the Biblical story which culminates in Jesus's resurrection.
His musical creation was performed by a 46-piece orchestra, three professional soloists and 120 local singers – with a large contingent from Castle Cary Choir.
Mr Emslie, of Alford, hopes Saturday's premiere is only the beginning of Omega and Alpha's journey.
He said: "It was unbelievable. The response was fantastic with more than 800 people attending. They gave us a standing ovation at the end.
"I spoke to a number of choral societies who attended and I hope they felt energised and want to do it themselves. As a producer, that's the only way to ensure it has a truly lasting legacy.
"What has been most pleasing is that a range of people enjoyed it – from an atheist who liked the music to a group of religious people who were moved by the words."
Recordings of the premiere, made by award-winning John Dunkerley, will be available from June. To secure a copy, visit www.omegaandalpha.co.uk.
For more reaction, see tomorrow's Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary and Gillingham edition of the Western Gazette.
Martin Emslie, 57, unveiled his 80-minute oratorio, Omega and Alpha, to hundreds of spectators at Wells Cathedral on Saturday evening.
The composition tells the Biblical story which culminates in Jesus's resurrection.
His musical creation was performed by a 46-piece orchestra, three professional soloists and 120 local singers – with a large contingent from Castle Cary Choir.
Mr Emslie, of Alford, hopes Saturday's premiere is only the beginning of Omega and Alpha's journey.
He said: "It was unbelievable. The response was fantastic with more than 800 people attending. They gave us a standing ovation at the end.
"I spoke to a number of choral societies who attended and I hope they felt energised and want to do it themselves. As a producer, that's the only way to ensure it has a truly lasting legacy.
"What has been most pleasing is that a range of people enjoyed it – from an atheist who liked the music to a group of religious people who were moved by the words."
Recordings of the premiere, made by award-winning John Dunkerley, will be available from June. To secure a copy, visit www.omegaandalpha.co.uk.
For more reaction, see tomorrow's Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary and Gillingham edition of the Western Gazette.
