​Have a listen:

'I'll Fly Away'

I’ll Fly Away is now available to buy as a digital download. Moved to tears by the singing of the men in HMP Dartmoor, Richard Morrison wrote ‘they aren’t just imagining these emotions. They have lived them.’

​From dulcet, rich tones of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot to the plaintive Ain’t no sunshine and boisterous Folsom Prison Blues, this is one album everyone should have on their playlist. Featuring four of the finest professional musicians in the country I do hope you will consider buying a copy and supporting the Prison Choir Project.

The Prison Choir Project is privileged to collaborate with some of the finest singers and musicians in the country. From directors at the Royal Opera House to internationally acclaimed sopranos and leading figures in jazz and blues, we are proud to work alongside such exceptional talent.

Some astonishing work from four of the finest musicians in the world, professional artists Al Cherry (guitar), Dan Moriyama (keyboard), Sam Burgess (bass) and Johnny de’Ath (drums). This was one of those magic moments that come around once in a blue moon and my utmost gratitude goes to the men of HMP Dartmoor for their commitment to the Prison Choir Project, and their astonishing singing on this album.

Thanks to the Governor, staff and chaplaincy of HMP Dartmoor, and to Jan Capiński and Joseph Porter-Bolger for their skills in recording and producing an album of such a high calibre.  ​

Opera and Musicals with the Prison Choir Project

The Prison Choir Project presents full-scale productions of operas and musicals, featuring professional singers in principal roles. Inmates participate as chorus members, take on smaller roles, and contribute to the creative process by designing and painting sets and crafting costumes.

Billy Budd

'Cooped up in this narrow cabin I have beheld the mysteries of goodness. And I am afraid.'

Billy Budd, Op. 50, is an opera by Benjamin Britten to a libretto by the English novelist E. M. Forster and Eric Crozier, based on the short novel Billy Budd by Herman Melville. The opera received its premiere at the Royal Opera House, London, on 1 December 1951. This video is a momentary reflection on a week's collaboration between professional artists and former Prison inmates, working on Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd at the Stone House in Lewisham, London. With permission from Boosey & Hawkes, the work has been arranged for 6 instruments including harmonica, accordion and trumpet , and is the first step in our journey towards staging a full production.

Billy Budd - a brief synopsis: The opera begins with a prologue in which Captain Vere, an old man, ponders the significance of events that took place long ago on board the British naval vessel HMS Indomitable in 1797. Three new sailors, press-ganged from a passing merchant ship, are brought on board, including Billy Budd, a young, strong and handsome recruit. Billy's goodness wins the hearts of all except Claggart ('a depravity according to nature'" and the ship's Master-at-arms), who determines to destroy him. Claggart encourages Squeak to rifle through Billy's belongings, but he is caught by the young sailor. Dansker warns Billy that Claggart has it in for him. Claggart then encourages the Novice — cowed into submission by an earlier beating — to bribe Billy into supporting mutiny, but to no avail. Nevertheless Claggart takes a complaint to Vere, interrupted in his accusation by a brief skirmish with a French frigate that ends with the enemy escaping. Claggart then accuses Billy, who is called in by Vere to defend himself. His stammer, however, silences him, and he knocks Claggart down with a single blow that strikes him dead. At the court martial, Vere fails to speak up for Billy, who is condemned. He goes to his death with Vere's name on his lips. In the Epilogue, we return to the aged Vere, who again scrutinises his role in these events.

Why Billy Budd?

Billy Budd is primarily concerned with a simple moral question: what happens when the law tells us to do something that, in every possible way, seems wrong? With themes of good versus evil, morality, truth and the physicality of confinement, what better place to explore these themes than in a prison environment: "Cooped up in this narrow cabin I have beheld the mysteries of goodness. And I am afraid." 

Billy Budd - cast and crew

With thanks to the following for their time and commitment to this project: Paul Hopwood, Charlie Johnston, Ben Nelson, Tim Mirfin, Welsh Andy, Zivorad Nikolic, Clare Findlater, George Sleightholme, Nancy Johnson, Angela Whelan, Angus McCall, Neville Stanford, Max Pappenheim, Stevie Higgins, Daisy Evans, George Nick Chron, Niall Green, Tom Green,  Oliver Kadel and Yvonne Horsfall Turner. 

Christmas with the Prison Choir Project

Christmas holds special significance for the Prison Choir Project. While many people spend the season surrounded by family and friends, we recognize that for those in prison, this time of year can be especially difficult. That’s why we strive to bring warmth, joy, and a sense of connection into prison life through music. Our annual carol services brings together professional singers, musicians, and the Salvation Army for uplifting events filled with music and readings. The services draws hundreds from across the prison community — including staff, members of the public, and men from the wings — creating a shared moment of reflection, celebration, and hope.

Professional artists warming up before a carol concert in HMP Dartmoor

An inmate at HMP Dartmoor sketched the following suggestion for a Christmas Carol Tour