New Commission for Lincoln Cathedral

I am thrilled to have a written a new piece for the choir of Lincoln Cathedral. I was commissioned to write a special anthem for the visit of The Archbishop of Canterbury to mark the centenary of the death of Bishop Edward King. This is to take place on Saturday March 6th. Entry to the occasion is by ticket only.

My brother Andrew provided the text. My Dearest Wish is based on the last letters from Edward King to the people of his diocese and the recurrent theme is ‘My dearest wish - be Christ-like Christians’. We are thinking of developing the same text into a hymn, using the melodic material from the anthem. I am really looking forward to being present on the 6th March and hearing Lincoln’s wonderful choir premiere the anthem with accompaniment from the mighty Father Willis organ.

Classic FM Hall of Fame

Classic FM's Hall of Fame is the biggest survey of its kind, asking people to vote for their three favourite pieces of Classical Music. I had the honour of being the highest new entry on two occasions, and my best known track Quanta Qualia did particularly well last year. It's well worth registering your three favourite Classical pieces and making your opinion count. Click here to visit the relevant page.

Ambassador for the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts

I am deeply honoured to have been asked to become an ambassador for The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. This charity carries out invaluable work in many areas of the arts - particularly music. Through the charity, I hope to reach out to underprivileged children and help them discover their creative abilities. I had the opportunity of witnessing one of the Foundation’s orchestral days last year which culminated in a concert at the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome. The atmosphere was electric, and I was reminded how much natural creative energy lies within young children. Somewhere out there are our future composers, poets, artists, architects and novelists, and it will be a great privilege and joy to be part of an organisation which aspires to discover them.

Filming of Eye to Eye

Following the success of The Eye to Eye concert at The Cadogan Hall in September, a generous American patron arranged for my piece - along with The Holy City - to be recorded and filmed in the same venue in front of a private audience. This time I conducted, and it was a real joy to work with the English Chamber Orchestra and the highly talented young Palestinian soprano Dima Bawab. I will soon be able to post some of the film on my website - so watch this space.

Fair Albion made CD of the Week on Classic FM

Last week, Fair Albion was Classic FM's CD of the Week. Every morning between 10 and 10.30, Simon Bates played a different track from the album, and there was a terrific response from the Classic FM listeners. It is always a strange but wonderful experience to hear your music being transmitted over the airwaves, and I consider it a great honour to have had two albums making it to CD of the Week during a six month period.

Standing Ovation in Douai Abbey

The world premiere of Song of Songs in Douai Abbey was a huge success. The Cecilia Consort sang with real professionalism and it was wonderful for me to work once again with Patrick Craig and Tim Bennett, both of whom sang on the original recording of Blue in Blue. To hear my great friend Jan Coxwell sing the soprano solo in Song of Songs, though, was the highlight of the evening. She effortlessly managed the top C's and D's and gave real passion to her interpretation of my brother's words. The standing ovation and electric atmosphere made this an occasion I will never forget. I sincerely thank the audience for their warm response as well as all those who performed and were involved with the event's organisation.

Here I am pictured with Jan rehearsing Song of Songs. Many thanks to Harry Cruickshank for the photo.

Concert in Douai Abbey

This coming Saturday I am conducting a concert of my music in Douai Abbey. This will be a special occasion for me for all sorts of reasons. My first teaching post was at Pangbourne College which is very near Douai. I coached a rugby team which played Douai School, and I used to visit the abbey many times for concerts and services. Just before I left Pangbourne, I played a Handel Organ Concerto on the newly restored (beautiful!) organ with a local orchestra. Being back there this coming weekend will evoke many happy memories.

I am also thrilled to be working with the Cecilia Consort. This excellent choir was formed by my dear friend Janet Coxwell and I have been involved in various projects with them over the years. Jan premiered my song cycle The Call with The English Chamber Orchestra in Lincoln Cathedral in June 1999, and it is Jan who appeared as soprano soloist on my debut album Blue in Blue. It will be a joy to hear her sing the Blue in Blue pieces and also Song of Songs. I am going to accompany her in three songs from The Call as well. Roger Sayer is playing the organ and my great friend Hugh Webb will be playing harp. I hope to see you there!