Voices of the Peaks premiering at Buxton International Festival 2026

150 Voices to Harmonise for the Peak District:
Choral Premiere “Voices of the Peaks” will take place at Buxton International Festival

Composer Hannah Brine to climb 95 “Ethells”

BUXTON, UK – a landmark musical tribute to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Peak District becoming the UK’s first National Park will premiere this summer at the Buxton International Festival.

Voices of the Peaks is a new choral suite by award-winning composers Hannah Brine and Jenni Watson which will bring together a huge collective choir of 150 singers from three of Brine’s renowned community choirs: High Peak Singers, Bollington Singers, and Didsbury Singers.

On Saturday, 11 July 2026, the Buxton International Festival will host the world premiere of this exciting new work which serves as a musical echo of the generations who have walked, worked, and found inspiration in the region. From the rugged gritstone edges to the vibrant communities that call the hills home, the suite honors the park’s storied past while looking forward to its ecological and cultural future.

“Rooted in the geography and heritage of the Peaks, the work draws on local folklore, environmental themes, and historical narratives. It will invite both singers and audiences into a shared experience of awe, connection, and belonging,” says co-composer Hannah Brine. “The project is about more than just music; it’s about the connection between people and the land, nature, and the world around us.”

To bring this ambitious project to life, composer Hannah Brine – a BBC Unsung Hero and acclaimed jazz/folk artist who has graced the stages of London’s 606 Club and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall – is taking her dedication to the landscape literally.  Brine has committed to climbing all 95 “Ethels” (the Peak Districts hill summits) to raise awareness and support for the project. The “Ethels” challenge mirrors the themes of the music itself: endurance, heritage, and the profound connection between people and nature.

Voices of the Peaks premiere details

The premiere will take place at the historic St John’s Church in Buxton.

• Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
• Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Venue: St John’s Church, Buxton
• Tickets: From £12 (Standard) / £10 (Next Gen)

Tickets go on general sale on 14 April 2026. Priority booking for Festival Friends and Patrons begins in March. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Buxton Opera House website or the Buxton International Festival box office.