Nitin Sawhney has composed a new ‘War Requiem’ to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Coventry Cathedral. The composer, producer, DJ and instrumentalist was commissioned as part of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, a 12-month cultural programme that began in May last year and whose aim is to reflect Coventry as a diverse city and demonstrate the powerful ability of culture to change lives. The new work, Ghosts in the Ruins, receives its premiere at the Cathedral on January 27.

Britten’s War Requiem, composed for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral in May 1962, has become synonymous with the building for which it was created but is also regularly performed throughout the world, its plea for humanity in a world of war and violence remaining a timeless message. Sawhney takes Britten’s masterpiece as a starting point, interweaving the words of war poet Wilfred Owen with two newly commissioned poems, choral and instrumental music, and visual projections by the artist Mark Murphy. The first part takes place inside the Cathedral, while the dramatic conclusion is performed amongst the Ruins, with the Coventry Cathedral choristers being joined by community singers – including The Choir With No Name, who have been building singing communities among the homeless since 2008.

‘When I was first approached for this commission, I was very excited at the prospect of creating an immersive experience based around the human voice,’ said Sawhney. ‘This creative project is a tribute to how the people of Coventry have transcended the ghosts of their past to become a guiding light for the world.’

Ghosts in the Ruins receives it premiere at Coventry Cathedral on January 27, with two additional performances on January 28 and 29. For more information, visit coventrycathedral.org.uk

Read our ‘My Music’ interview with Nitin Sawhney in the March issue of Gramophone, on sale from February 18 (digitally) and February 23 (in print)