A SONG capturing Dorset residents' experiences of lockdown had its world premiere this week.

'When Time Lost Its Edge' was released on August 4 as part of a nationwide project of songs created to mark the unprecedented time during the coronavirus pandemic.

The piece of music was composed by Karen Wimhurst as part of a commission between Artsreach, an arts organisation based in Dorchester, and Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts.

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She wrote the song after receiving feedback from a questionnaire which asked people in Dorset how they found the passage of time during lockdown, what they did to pass the time in lockdown, and what the one thing that they would like to take forward to shape a positive future is.

After reading through 120 responses, Karen created the piece of music, which was performed by the Dorset County Hospital staff choir, Shaftesbury's Palida Choir, VIVA! Dorchester Women's Choir and students from Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

Karen, who has been a composer for nearly 40 years, said: "When I was asked to write the song I initially felt quite apprehensive as the commission was to express everyone's experience of lockdown which is quite a responsibility.

"But, when I got all the answers to my questions through, that's when I began to enjoy it and it has been a really rewarding process."

The song was recorded last week, two weeks after it was originally scheduled to be recorded after it was postponed when the government delayed plans to lift lockdown restrictions, which meant that some students from Bournemouth & Poole College who were initially planning on taking part were unable to as they had broken up for summer and gone away.

The 60 singers who did take part were thrilled to get the opportunity to sing together after spending much of the time learning the music over Zoom.

Karen said: "It was really emotional when we recorded the piece. We haven't all sung together for over a year so it was really touching to get the chance to sing as a choir again.

"Music is just so important to people and singing is something that you must do with other people. Music is something which entirely expresses our humanity coming together and it is so special."