Three Imaginary Folksongs was requested by the Concerts Society of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for their concert season marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the cathedral. The composer was asked specifically for a work that would highlight the much-admired talents of the principal clarinettist, Jacqueline Thomas. The title is unambiguous. Taking three different approaches, each of which has a modal starting point, the three ‘folksongs’ from imaginary places were developed in styles that reflect the work of earlier folksong-inspired composers. The first performance took place at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral in July 2017, at a concert that celebrated not only the cathedral’s 50th birthday but also Stephen’s 70th.