Voices of the Peaks is a new large-scale choral work co-composed by Hannah Brine and Jenni Watson, premiering at the Buxton International Festival in July 2026. Written for a massed choir of over 150 singers, the piece celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Peak District National Park, weaving together music, landscape, and story.
Rooted in the geography and heritage of the Peaks, the work draws on local folklore, environmental themes, and historical narratives – including the Kinder Trespass, the story of Eyam, the Nine Ladies stone circle, and the lives of those who have shaped access to the land, such as Ethel Haythornthwaite. Musically, it blends contemporary choral textures with accessible, emotive writing, inviting both singers and audiences into a shared experience of awe, connection, and belonging.
Alongside the composition, Hannah Brine is undertaking an ambitious accompanying project: walking all 95 Ethels (hills over 400m in the Peak District) across approximately 21–24 days in May 2026. This journey will form a central storytelling and publicity strand, documented through daily filmed episodes capturing the landscapes, personal reflections, and conversations with people connected to the Peaks – spanning nature, heritage, access, and community.
The walk and film project aim to broaden the reach of Voices of the Peaks, connecting urban and rural communities and amplifying diverse perspectives on our relationship with nature. The material gathered will contribute to a short documentary film and ongoing digital content.
The wider vision includes potential performances in natural settings, community singing initiatives, and partnerships with environmental and outdoor organisations. At its heart, Voices of the Peaks is a celebration of place, people, and the shared human need to connect – to landscape, to history, and to each other.