New video 'Songs of Isolation' explores pandemic challenges through art and music

‘Songs of Isolation’ is a socially-focused work reflecting the challenges and opportunities the Covid-19 pandemic has presented to all of us.

Three ‘songs’ – arias by Handel – have been chosen for their potential to reflect these issues. Song 1, ‘As with rosy steps the morn’, is about well-being; how through ‘toil well-borne’ we may ‘raise hopes of light’. The soloist looks after herself and an unseen housemate by preparing food and working from home.

Song 2, ‘Yes, even in chains’, is about finding self-motivation. The lyrics say ‘yes, even in chains and bonds my faith will shine… not even death itself will dampen my fire’. The soloist revs himself up for a big day.

Song 3, ‘Never was a shade’, speaks of the joys of being at home. A family portrait of the soloist and his young family.

The One Tree Hill Sinfonia was founded in 2014 by Adrian Varela and Andrea Broughton to provide the local area of Lewisham and its residents with symphonic music of the highest standard.

Adrian Varela, director/producer and conductor/videographer said: ‘We hope this film finds a place in people’s lives and hearts by reflecting common challenges we’ve all faced in this past, difficult year.

'Even though many may not be familiar with the music of Handel, it is important to us to show how something from the past can be relevant to us today, and to cross all types of barriers: past and present, exalted and mundane, in an ethical, socially integrated production of the highest standard, reflecting our vision of an equal society.’

Watch the film below.