anna and richard composed a series of fanfares for four ex-marine brass players to honor the maison dieu. amid its restoration, their music served as a fitting rebirth for this remarkable building, revealing and unlocking its sonic potential. maison dieu, meaning 'house of god,' began as a monastery around 1200, providing hospitality for pilgrims journeying to canterbury cathedral. through the centuries, its purpose shifted until 1834, when it was acquired by dover corporation to become the town hall. in 1859, architects william burges and ambrose poynter were commissioned to restore and adapt the building for its new civic role.