Join us for an extraordinary evening featuring the premiere of Sailing Ships of Sound, the latest work by prolific Stroud-based composer Crimea Butler-Downton. Despite living with total visual impairment, Crimea composes intricate, large-scale orchestral scores entirely by hand—a feat of immense dedication and creative willpower.

The Performance: Performed by the 37-piece Eluckwa Ensemble and conducted by Max Ireland, this contemporary orchestral work takes the listener on a cinematic journey through sound. The evening will also feature guest vocalist Charlotte Forfar.

Crimea’s story contains moments of profound darkness and moments of pure, almost absurd joy. It contains loss, rage, unexpected beauty, and the complicated truth about love — all translated to his music. See the video at the bottom of this page for an interview with him.

The Cause:

This event is more than a concert; it is a celebration of inclusive artistry. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly to the School for the Blind.

FEATURING:

Charlotte Forfar – Soprano

Hailing from North Wales, Charlotte Forfar is a first-class graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and a prestigious David Seligman Opera School alumna. Her career has seen her perform on some of the world’s most iconic stages, from the Wales Millennium Centre with the Welsh National Opera to the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms.

A winner of the Adelina Patti Prize for opera, Charlotte has been praised by Seen and Heard International for her “bell-like clarity.” Her diverse repertoire spans from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro to contemporary premieres, including performances alongside industry giants like Sir Bryn Terfel and Nicky Spence.

Beyond the opera house, Charlotte is a dedicated advocate for musical outreach and community accessibility. We are thrilled to welcome her to Stroud for the world premiere of Sailing Ships of Sound, where her soaring vocals will bring Crimea Butler-Downton’s cinematic compositions to life.

Max Ireland – Conductor

Max Ireland is a distinguished conductor and multi-instrumentalist whose career is defined by rhythmic intensity and a deep understanding of orchestral colour. A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Max began his professional journey as an elite percussionist and timpanist, developing the precision and “pulse” that now defines his conducting style.

His extensive freelance career includes performances with the UK’s most prestigious ensembles, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra. This background in top-tier professional environments gives Max a unique insight into the inner workings of an orchestra, making him the ideal leader to navigate the world première of Sailing Ships of Sound.

As the founder of Multishow Productions, Max is a specialist in bringing complex, large-scale works to life. He bridges the gap between traditional orchestral excellence and modern production, ensuring that Crimea Butler-Downton’s intricate, hand-written scores are translated into a powerful, world-class auditory experience.