A COMPOSER has completed his first opera – 25 years after he started.
Ivor Hodgson, 50, of Kelsall, completed the piece of music after he learned about the story of Derbyshire village Eyam which was completely quarantined in 1665 after it was hit by the plague.
He has now given his music the green light to be performed, a quarter of a century after his former lecturer Andrew Thomas had given him the idea.
Ivor said: “My lecturer already knew of the story so while he was staying we both went to visit the village to have a look and find out a bit more about it. He was actually the one who said it would make a great opera.
“I am relieved to have finally finished composing, but it is terrifying to think that people won’t like what I’ve written after it became such a labour of love. It will be like I have failed.”
Ivor, who has played in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in Manchester for 27 years, says the story of Eyam, which is close to his heart having previously lived in nearby Chapel-en-le-Frith, is a perfect subject to write music about.
“Having a relative story made it so much easier for me to compose the music. Composing is like writing, there is always a beginning, middle and an end.
“The idea of good versus evil is extraordinary and the actual sacrifice of people quarantining and condemning themselves to die is astonishing.”
Ivor, who is married and has two children, is also the composer in residence with the Bolton Symphony Orchestra and he has recorded numerous concertos for Radio 3.
He is now looking forward to hearing what people think of his latest work: “Music is so practical,” he said. “I am fascinated that I can take a blank piece of paper and produce something for somebody to enjoy.”
