Yorkshire composer creates world first score inspired by Northern Lights cruise
An acclaimed composer from Sheffield has revealed the world's first original music score of a cruise with his work inspired by the Northern Lights.
Benjamin Squires, who worked on Wicked and Avatar, is the first ever composer-in-residence for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and the cruise industry as a whole.
Now Soundtrack for the Seas aims to translates the sights, sounds and emotions of cruising at sea into music, anchored by a 60-piece orchestra.
It featuring the voices of fellow guests, the ship's bells, and a traditional Sámi Yoik, from his time at sea around Norway aboard the Balmoral.
"Spending time aboard Balmoral gave me access to so many extraordinary moments - from the thrill of standing on deck as the ship departed to watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky," he said.
"Every track is rooted in real experiences and sounds captured during the voyage.
"My hope is that listeners lose themselves in it and feel fully transported, whether they're reliving a past cruise or imagining their first adventure at sea."
The soundtrack comprises six tracks and two bonus compositions. Squires spent 10 days aboard Fred. Olsen's ship Balmoral in March.
From witnessing the Northern Lights to observing the spectacle of guests as they ventured into the Arctic Circle, he collected musical ideas as they came to him.
Humming melodies into his phone and scribbling observations in notebooks, he began the process of shaping those experiences into an orchestral narrative.
The music was orchestrated by Peter Davison and Danny Keane and will be woven into the guest experience across the Fred. Olsen fleet with special tracks for sleeping, and the spa.