Sam Bishton wins Caius Choral Composition Prize

Sam Bishton, from Xaverian College, Manchester has won our first Caius Choral Composition Prize!

We launched the choral composition prize for state school students earlier this year. Entrants were required to compose a short two-to-three-minute piece for the choir to perform, with or without organ accompaniment.

Sam’s piece, ‘Invitation’, was commended by the judges, established composers Cheryl Frances Hoad and Matthew Martin, Caius College’s Director of Music.

“What struck us about Sam’s piece was its simplicity and clarity of expression,” Matthew says. “There are no grand gestures or wasted ideas - just the right level of complexity for the occasion and an excellent response to the text.”

We were delighted to perform Sam Bishton’s winning entry 'Invitation' as our anthem for Evensong on Sunday 11 May. The recording of this performance is available to watch here, on Youtube.

Sam Bishton

Director of Music: Matthew Martin and Sam Bishton

In addition to a winner, the judges chose to award two highly commended composers: Gloria Suen, from Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham, Manchester and Tamsin Crook, from Ullswater Community College, Penrith, Cumbria.

“This is the first time we have run the competition and we were so pleased with the number of entries we received,” Matthew says. “They were all of a really high standard and it was really moving to note the enthusiasm and dedication of these young composers. There is so much talent out there and I hope that this small scheme plays its part in encouraging these students to continue on this creative path.”