A highlight of the JAM 2023 show was a special diptych, commemorating the world premiere of Paul Mealor’s new composition “The Fading Banks of the River Dee”. (Mealor shot to fame when he wrote an anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate. Now a regular, Paul was also commissioned to write for the coronation of King Charles III.) 

These ethereal paintings were snuck on stage mid-concert as a surprise for the composer and the sold-out audience, just before the piece was masterfully performed by John Frederick Hudson and Cyril Ibrahim at St. Leonards. A dreamy, sensual feast inspired by the music written for this special occasion, they incorporate the slow winding movement of the river, melting the borders between it and its banks – a constantly changing conversation between land and water.  We easily feel part of the music and the river ebbing and flowing between gentle and stronger passages. 

Although painted together, each original painting was adopted by different homes during the Festival, and are no longer available. Please contact us if you are interested in a card or print.