Holy Boy

GENERAL NOTES

'HOLY BOY' begins with the story of David, the shepherd boy who became king, and follows the plight of the Jewish nation throughout the years of the Old Testament - mentioning in particular the prophecies of Isaiah, and the coming of a Messiah - Emmanuel. It continues into the New Testament with the story of the birth of Christ, from the Annunciation to the Flight into Egypt.

The work (about one and a half hours duration) is scored for a 5-part choir (S.A.T.B. plus Juniors) with many solo parts, and should involve the audience in some of the 'big' numbers! However, the work can be very effectively performed with a UNISON CHOIR, and is therefore accessible to all age groups from primary age to seniors to adults, or any combination of these!

'HOLY BOY' has, for example, been very successfully performed by Infants in Singapore, Juniors in Dublin, Seniors in New Zealand and Gibraltar, by adults in Chester Cathedral, and, on several occasions, by a choir of 400, of all ages, at the Fairfield Hall, Croydon, from where the work originally emanated!

Some performances have been abridged to suit circumstances; and some have been supplemented with mime or dance, often in costume, and have thus had an extra dimension added to the proceedings,

The FULL INSTRUMENTAL SCORE is for 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets/saxes,
2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 1 multi-sound keyboard, 1 piano/keyboard/organ, 1 guitar, 1 bass guitar, 1 drum kit, 3 extra percussion; but the work can be performed with any combination of these instruments. The piano, however, would be essential whatever size group is used. Parts for all other instruments, plus the Full Score, can be hired direct from
David Palmer
(from whom a double CD is also available)

It is strongly recommended that a short AUDIENCE REHEARSAL of some of the themes takes place before commencing the main performance. The rehearsal should be light-hearted and enjoyable - and usually provides a warm, friendly atmosphere for the occasion.

Copies of the Piano/Vocal, and the Vocal, Scores are available direct from David Palmer e-mail:

(See also David Palmer’s Easter Oratorio for all ages – ‘The Son of Man’)

As a celebration a recording was made recently featuring some highly respected singers and musicians.
Here are some clips.

	Clip of How Can It Be (featuring John Owen Jones) Clip of Shepherds (featuring Olivia Keast)
Clip of Son Of God (featuring Sophia Ravagelas) Clip of Hail Mary (featuring Stephen Davis)