Bath Camerata commissioned Jonathan Dove, one of this country’s finest contemporary writers for the voice, to compose a new choral song-cycle in memory of their friend and fellow singer, Hannah Shaw.

When Hannah was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 32, she refused to be defined by her condition. Looking for a new challenge, she joined Bath Camerata in 2016 and her involvement with its people and music gave her huge enjoyment over the next two years.

When Hannah’s illness meant she could no longer attend rehearsals, she wrote: “The last year has had its highs and lows but I definitely count my Camerata experiences as among the best. It’s such a testament to group singing, and to Camerata, that I can come to a rehearsal straight from treatment, or in pain or tired, and be so totally absorbed in beautiful music.”

In 2018, Hannah sang in Camerata’s most recent recording, Songs of Renewal on the Somm label, which features Jonathan Dove’s song-cycle, The Passing of the Year. She wrote about the experience: “By the Monday evening we were all exhausted, dry-voiced and extremely proud. …With all the time, energy and skill that has gone into [this recording] it’s bound to be a real treat; but whatever the result, I’m so glad I’ve had a chance to be involved.”

The new work, The Sun has Burst the Sky, was first performed at the Wiltshire Music Centre on 7 October 2023.