Stone Vows is inspired by the Arundel Tomb, where the medieval effigies of Richard FitzAlan and Eleanor of Lancaster lie side by side, their hands gently joined and carved in stone for eternity. This small, human gesture invites a quiet reflection on their love.
Stone Vows offers one possible response to the gesture preserved by the tomb. Were Richard or Eleanor alive in 2026, the world around them would be unrecognisable, yet the simple act their tomb preserves, of reaching for another hand, remains instantly understood.
Stone Vows was commissioned by Bangor Music Festival 2026 with support from Colwinston Charitable Trust, Vaughan Williams Foundation and Tŷ Cerdd. It was premiered by Ensemble CGWM, Emma Syska (flute), James Warburton (viola) and Mared Emlyn (harp) during the Festival in Pontio, Bangor on 14 February 2026.
Instrumentation: Flute, Viola and Harp
Score and parts available from Composers Edition
