On Saturday 15th October, Lambeth Wind Orchestra will present a concert featuring two premieres for band from Paul Spicer and Philip Sparke, alongside some more traditional pieces and featured soloists.
Over the last 30 years, Paul Spicer has built an international reputation as a choral composer, having studied at the Royal College of Music and later teaching there. His catalogue of chamber music includes a short suite for trombone and piano, 'In Retrospect', which was written in 1983 at a period when the world lost three doyens of the English classical music scene - Adrian Boult, Herbert Howells and William Walton. It was originally written for student musician, Frances Drewett, and has now been arranged for wind orchestra by LWO's conductor, John Holland; it will be performed on the night by the dedicatee and band member, Frances, or Frannie Hewitt, as she is now known.
The second premiere of the night is from Philip Sparke, no stranger to the music of wind and brass bands, of course. His 'Triptych' was originally written for brass band in 1990 for competition use but its superb mix of fanfares, exciting rhythms, soaring melodies and flash-bang finale works perfectly for wind band; this arrangement has also been created by John Holland to coincide with the 21st anniversary of the piece. John previously arranged one of Philip's other brass band pieces for winds, 'A Malvern Suite', which was published by Studio Music and performed at this year's BASBWE London Festival.
The Artie Shaw 'Concerto for Clarinet' tests the limits of the instrument and the soloist, and band member Susan Shaw (no relation) will be performing it on the night in all its jazzy glory. Splashes of rhythm and blues, thumping drums and a finale that ascends into the heavens make this a breath-taking showcase for any concert!
The programme also pays tribute to Percy Grainger - it is the 50th anniversary of his death this year - with the piece that he eventually grew to loathe but everyone else loved, 'Country Gardens' (the version being performed is Sousa-style!); a selection from Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Pirates of Penzance' and Eric Coates' march 'London Bridge' will hopefully keep hearts singing and toes tapping
London composer, Alan Taylor, who is also a member of the band, receives the second performance of his atmospheric piece 'Eleison' alongside Stephen McNeff's spooky suite 'Ghosts' and the Shakespeare-inspired 'Gallimaufry' by Guy Woolfenden, both celebrating their 10th anniversaries this year.
'In Retrospect' takes place on Saturday 15th October at All Saints Church, Lovelace Road, London, SE21 8LN, starting at 7.30pm. Advance tickets are available at ?5.00 (plus booking fee) by calling 07765 147324, or via We Got Tickets
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