John Pickard introduces his recent large-scale piece Elemental, a virtuoso choral work commissioned by the BBC for the BBC Singers, with a text specially written by Gavin D'Costa. Elemental is an ambitious work, incorporating mythologies and true stories of human courage to create a rich, complex and at times humorous celebration of the beauty and mystery of world.
John Pickard is a Professor of Composition at Bristol University, where he has worked for over 30 years. His large output includes 6 symphonies and 6 string quartets. His music has been shortlisted four times in the Ivor Novello Awards, and in 2021 a disc of his chamber music won the Contemporary category of the prestigious Gramophone Awards.
Gavin D’Costa is Emeritus Professor in Catholic Theology at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on modern Roman Catholic theology, systematic theology, theology of religions, and aspects of philosophical theology related to religious pluralism.