Early risers may have caught Deputy Director of Music, Dan Harding, live on HeartKent Radio this morning (Tuesday 23 February), discussing the ‘Anthem for Kent’ put together by presenters James and Becky.

This stirring, majestic eulogy to the glories of the county – think Elgar and Walton – celebrates its Roman roads, White Cliffs and Garden of England greenery.

Dan was listening to Heart during the school-run and thought that a piece about the county sung by the county’s University seemed a great idea – a thought he carelessly voiced out loud and to which his children immediately yelled ‘WE DARE YOU!’

With expectations now set, Dan has made a start on converting the piece to a full arrangement for mixed choir, which the University of Kent Cecilian Choir will then learn, with a view hopefully to making a recording.

You can follow the progress of the project on the Choir’s Twitter channel – @Cecilian_Choir.

Comprising students, staff and alumni, the Cecilian Choir is a by-invitation ensemble which rehearses weekly, and last week performed a lunchtime concert dedicated to the music of Lully; this new challenge sets the bar considerably higher…

Who knows, maybe a performance in the Royal Albert Hall, anyone ?!