Music Packaging Design – John Challengers “The Planets” by Gustav Holst

Music Packaging Design for John Challenger’s “The Planets” by Gustav Holst

In 2023, John Challenger, the organist at Salisbury Cathedral, arranged Gustav Holst’s Planets Suite for the Cathedral’s organ. This collaboration involved several local schools, the Cathedral’s Education Department, and the music charity La Folia.

The project resulted in a special double release: an audio album and a full-length film titled ‘The Planets – Out of Darkness’. This release celebrates the 150th anniversary of Holst’s birth, showcasing Challenger’s arrangement on the Cathedral’s Father Willis organ, paired with night-time shots of the Cathedral’s interior.

The album and film will be available from Wednesday 18 September 2024, with the YouTube premiere set for the same day at 8pm.

The Design Brief

We were tasked with the music packaging design for John Challenger’s CD. This involved creating the cover and insert that would capture the essence of Holst’s Planets Suite and its unique arrangement for the Salisbury Cathedral organ. The design needed to reflect the grandeur of the music and the Cathedral, while also highlighting the celestial theme of the Planets Suite.

The Project Outcome

We created a painted collage for the CD cover and insert, blending a starry sky with planets and incorporating elements from the Cathedral. The design also featured images of the organist and references to the composer, aiming to capture the essence of the Planets Suite and its unique arrangement.

The Client’s Response

‘Working with Shadric Toop on our project was a pleasure from start to finish. Shadric listened carefully to our exact requirements, showing patience and understanding. He delivered a beautiful piece of artwork which followed the brief closely, whilst displaying enormous flair, creativity and individualism.’

John Challenger

Salisbury Cathedral Website