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Two acclaimed British composers, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose recent composition reached Classic FM's top five selections, have been commissioned to write the finale for the highly anticipated Lamb of God concert being performed at Manchester's renowned Bridgewater Hall on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th March.
The collaboration brings together Sam Petchey, a distinguished military musician whose service included performing at Buckingham Palace, and Abby Twigger, a talented composer and vocalist, whose combined artistic vision will culminate in a powerful new piece titled ‘Awake My Soul’ – written for a 100-person choir and full orchestra.
Sam and Abby’s previous work together, ‘The Lamb', garnered national recognition when it was selected as one of five winners in the Making Music Classic FM carol competition and aired on Classic FM in December 2023. The carol also reached the semifinal of The UK Songwriting Contest and was shortlisted in the Sir David Willcocks Carol Composer Competition, demonstrating the duo's exceptional musical talent.
Their collaboration came about after Abby, who lives in Aberdeen, started writing music again following the birth of her fifth child, and she heard about Sam’s professional musical experience from a fellow member of his local congregation in the Staines area. Sam helped Abby record the songs she had written, and they worked together on other compositions, even from other ends of the UK. They have since released a full album of original Christmas songs.
In 2024 they were commissioned to arrange ‘The Lamb’ again – this time for a big charity fundraiser, featuring the NHS Grampian Hospitals’ Choir, a string orchestra and brass quintet, for performance in December 2024 at Aberdeen Music Hall. That same month the solo voice and piano recording of the carol was included on UCB 2 (United Christian Broadcasters) playlist and was played throughout the month.
"For me, music is a fast track to the spirit," shares Abby Twigger, whose background includes music studies at Brigham Young University and performances at Magdalene College, The University of Cambridge. Abby is married to Ben, they have 5 children, and she is currently serving in the Church as a youth leader. Her collaboration with Brother Petchey, who brings extensive experience from the Royal Corps of Army Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, has already produced numerous successful sacred works, including a cantata celebrating women of faith. Sam is married to Vicky, they have 4 children and he loves writing sacred music.
The March performances for Lamb of God at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester will showcase their newest composition alongside other sacred music, continuing their commitment to creating uplifting, spiritually enriching musical experiences for audiences across the United Kingdom.
