David Dane Exhibition

As well as being a wonderful artist, David Dane is a neighbour and trusted friend. His paintings are quite magical and really do capture the spirit of the Norfolk Broads. I am delighted to be associated once again with his bi-annual exhibition at the Broads Wildlife Centre in Ranworth. The exhibition opens on 7th November and runs through to the 22nd November. On the three Sundays, I will be at the Wildlife Centre from 2.00 pm to talk about my music and perform some of my pieces on the piano. I will feature the Three Broadland Preludes which appear on my brand new album Fair Albion:Visions of England and also play pieces from Towards the Light. Signed copies of all of my albums will be on sale. Hope to see you there!

Interview with Aled

On September 6th I was Aled Jones’s guest on his Radio 2 'Good Morning Sunday' programme. It was great fun and a real pleasure to meet Aled. I spoke about my album 'Song of Songs' and they have been playing tracks from the album on the show over the last couple of weeks. I also provided the 'moment of reflection'.

Premiere of Eye to Eye

The world premiere of my latest piece ‘Eye to Eye’ took place at The Cadogan Hall a week ago - 16th September.  The concert, in the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, was in aid of St. John’s Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, and the programme was rich and varied. The English Chamber Orchestra played beautifully under the direction of Jason Lai, and there were memorable offerings from Charlie Siem (violinist), the Raven Quartet (with whom I've had the pleasure of working with before) and Claire Jones. My new piece finished the programme and was wonderfully interpreted by the Palestinian soprano Dima Bawab. My thanks also go to Jason for his sensitive interpretation.  We have just heard that a generous sponsor has come forward to ensure the recording of 'Eye to Eye' later this year. I am thrilled that it will now be heard be a wider audience.

Premiere of How Hill

On Saturday, the Royal Harpist Claire Jones premiered my new piece ‘How Hill’ at the Summer Reception of North Norfolk District Council. How Hill is one of the most beautiful spots on the Norfolk Broads with its distinctive windmill, majestic thatched house and sweeping lawns by the side of the River Ant. The new piece is to appear on my next album due for release in November. It was marvellous to be able to show Claire the exact spot which had inspired the music and, as usual, she played not only with real technical prowess but also an in-depth understanding of the music’s sentiments. Claire and her partner Chris spent the weekend with us, and here we are in the garden before saying goodbye yesterday. Thank you Claire for your friendship and your wonderful playing!

Eye to Eye Premiere at the Cadogan Hall

I am currently working on a new composition for premiere at the Cadogan Hall on Wednesday, September 16th 2009. The occasion is a major fundraising concert in aid of the St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group. The English Chamber Orchestra will be conducted by Jason Lai (of BBC 'Maestro' fame) and will be joined by a whole array of wonderful artists. My new piece will be called' Eye to Eye'. It is a setting of words by my brother Andrew and will feature soprano, harp and clarinet solos against a backdrop of string quartet and orchestra. You can read more about the concert and the Eye Hospital here.

Inspiration in the Chilterns

Earlier this week, I spent a few days with some friends who run a wonderful B & B in the Chilterns. The house backs on to open fields and, at the moment, they are full of the most beautifull flax blossom. Sue is a fantastic gardener and it was a joy to walk around and soak up the peace and quiet. Some exciting musical ideas formulated while I was there - in particular, the opening to a Te Deum!

If you want a few days away from it all, yet within close proximity of London and the M25, you should certainly consider giving Field Cottage a try. The proprieters are Sue and Mike Jepson and the phone number is 01494 837602.

Organ Recital at Worstead Parish Church on Friday 26th June at 7.30 pm

I am giving an organ recital this coming Friday at 7.30 pm in the beautiful church of Worstead near North Walsham in Norfolk. Worstead was the original home of Worstead cloth and, though now a small village, it was once a thriving, wealthy community. For this reason, it has a very large church - almost on the scale of a cathedral! The organ is lovely too and the acoustics are fantastic. Do come along and listen. Entrance is only £5 (all of which goes to the church) and this includes wine and nibbles afterwards. I will have CDs and scores on sale. Among other things, I am playing a Handel Organ Concerto, Elgar's Nimrod, some Scarlatti, a new piece by Nick Barton (a local composer) and my new Toccata which appears as the final track on my latest album 'Song of Songs'. Hope to see you there!