Joanna Forbes L'Estrange (b. 1971)
Singer; Songwriter; Choral composer; Choir leader
Works published by MoV
Give us grace (SSA (& optional piano))
Give us grace (SSA (& optional piano))
This piece was commissioned by Patrick Craig for Aurora Nova’s International Women’s Day concert in 2018 which comprised an entire programme of music by female composers. Jane Austen’s original text – a prayer to be said at eveningtide – opens with the line ‘Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray as to deserve to be heard’, voicing her personal appeal to God. The gospel-style setting reflects the composer’s passion for close harmony textures and female vocals. It should be performed, ideally from memory, with a rock-solid, steady pulse and plenty of attention to the syncopated rhythms and to the meaning of text. (Joanna Forbes L’Estrange)
Give us grace (SSA (& optional piano))
This work is published in our anthology Volume 2
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Perusal score coming soon
(August 2025)
Joanna Forbes L’Estrange (b. 1971)
Joanna Forbes L’Estrange is an international singer, songwriter, choral composer and choral leader based in London. Having graduated in Music from Oxford University, she began composing and arranging as soprano/Musical Director of the five-time Grammy® Award-winning a cappella group The Swingles. Described as ‘melodious, uplifting and accessible’, her compositions are influenced by close harmony vocal groups and jazz. Her sacred repertoire includes anthems, carols and settings of the Mass, Preces & Responses and Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis. She receives commissions for original songs from groups including The King’s Singers, The Military Wives Choirs, Finchley Children’s Music Group and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain who made a film of her acclaimed song A woman (wearing bloomers) on a wheel. Joanna has established a fine reputation for composing songs about women and gender equality and her charity single Twenty-first-century Woman raises money for girls’ education. (Joanna Forbes L’Estrange)