Where Hope Was Sown, commissioned by the Marchmont Makers Foundation to be dedicated to Mr Oliver Burge of Marchmont Farms Ltd, relates to his favourite bird, the Lapwing. Known in Scotland as the ‘peewit’ which mimics the plaintive cry of the bird’s call, the oboe seemed particularly well suited to portray both the forlorn character and wonderful agility of the Lapwing, as well as capturing the pastoral ambience of its habitat in the outstretched fields of the Lowlands.

Many thoughts about environmental issues and the corollary decline in recorded numbers came to me, as well as a growing appreciation of the distinctive beauty of the Lapwing’s appearance, with its timeless elegance as a wader, iridescent plumage, extravagant crests, wavering flight and spectacular aerobatic displays. A musical poem began to flow from the pen, weaving together six defined sections which each relate to some aspect of the Lapwing, before coming to rest with a sense of deep peace.

The première was given by Richard Simpson and the Victoria String Quartet on Friday 6th October 2023 in St Mary’s Preparatory School, Melrose, close to the River Tweed where Lapwings are often seen. Where Hope Was Sown was recorded for the Divine Art label the following day in the stunning, historic oak-panelled Lorimer Music Room of Marchmont House in Berwickshire, Scotland. I wrote the accompanying verses of poetry later that same month in order to offer the possibility of narration with performance.