Wigan classical music star's work to be played in a Classic FM broadcast helping animals over Bonfire Night
“I think it will be quite emotional to hear it. It has been a lot of hard work, so to be recognised as a composer in this way is brilliant.”
A Wigan singer and composer’s music will be played on the radio as part of a very special show in her first major broadcast.
Lucy Farrimond, from Standish, was delighted when she discovered Mabel, an original composition from her debut album, would be heard as part of Classic FM’s Pet Classics.
The station plays classical music to try to soothe animals around Bonfire Night, with an RSPCA survey of pet owners finding that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36 per cent) to help calm or prepare their animal for fireworks.
It is particularly apt as the piece is named after her pet dog Mabel, who died last year.
Lucy said: “I hope it helps to calm the animals. It’s being done in partnership with the RSPCA.
“I know I used to sit with Mabel listening to it, because she was always freaked out by the fireworks, so it’s quite fitting.”
Lucy was delighted to discover her composition would be played on the show, which runs from 5pm to 10pm on Friday.
And she is looking forward to hearing it with her loved ones beside her.
She said: “I think I will have to sit with my phone next to me the whole time. I’m planning to go to Wigan and having my parents and grandparents round and having it playing in the background with our ears listening out for it.
“They will be over the moon. They have always supported my music career.
“I think it will be quite emotional to hear it. It has been a lot of hard work, so to be recognised as a composer in this way is brilliant.”
Lucy, a former pupil of Standish High School, released her debut album Where the Heart Roams earlier this year.
She performs a number of British and Irish vocal works, including several by female composers, and as well as pieces written by herself, including an ambitious piano quintet called Roots.
Her Wigan roots play a big part in it, with a piece called She’s Got That Northern Soul paying classical tribute to Wigan Casino as well as, of course, Mabel.
She is currently performing concerts around the UK and will sing as part of Manchester’s Remembrance Day service on Wednesday.