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Wednesday 26 May 2021

The Guest: Caroline Leighton

The Guest is a poem by John Drinkwater (1882-1937), in the period immediately before the First World War he was one of the group of poets associated with the Gloucestershire village of Dymock, along with Rupert Brooke and others.

The poem is here set to music by composer Caroline Leighton, the first in a set of Leighton's songs setting poetry by Drinkwater, performed here by Allan Smith (baritone) with the composer at the piano.

Caroline has recently published two pieces with Encore Publications, Mary in the Garden and The Christ Child, and she has recently  been commissioned to set to music a poem by Anne Atkins -  a regular on Radio 4's Thought for the day programme. The commissioned piece is for Mother’s Day next year. 

Caroline studied at Leeds College of Music, where as a pianist she specialised in performance and Lieder. Currently settled in the Lincolnshire Wolds, following four months living with Carmelite nuns in Norfolk discerning religious life. This was the conclusion of many years of contemplation on a spiritual path for Caroline, having also spent time with the Poor Clares in Arundel, West Sussex.

The video was recorded at St James's Church, Louth, Lincolnshire. More information from Caroline Leighton's website.

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