Sonoro will present the world premiere of “Five Beacons of Light: A Cantata for the Sea.”

The new 50-minute cantata by composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad with words by librettist Di Sherlock, at Worcester Cathedral. Commissioned to mark Sonoro’s 10th anniversary, the work will be performed by Youth Choral Worcs, Sonoro, and the English Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Neil Ferris.

The cantata is scored for string quintet, piano, percussion, professional choir, and youth choir and draws on the histories of four UK rock lighthouses — Bell Rock, Bishop Rock, Les Casquets, and Haulbowline.

The Worchester premiere is set for April 25, 2026 at the Worchester Cathedral, with a July 3 showcase set for The Minack Theatre.

“This major new work combines the instinctive brilliance of two outstanding artists, Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Di Sherlock, and I am so happy that Sonoro can bring it to young people and audiences in Worcester and Cornwall. It will capture the minds of a generation and give an outlet to express themselves in words and music,” conductor Neil Ferris said, per an official press release.

The work is supported by the Bransford Trust, the Blyth Watson Charitable Trust, and the Pamela Matthews Charitable Trust.