We were delighted to commission an innovative new work from this exciting Manchester based composer.

Through the close relationship between the NCWO and Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats, jazz-influenced repertoire is always in the forefront of our minds in programming terms. Dr Catherine Parsonage (musical director for both NCWO and Dr Jazz) has written extensively about the relationships between the fields of wind music and contemporary jazz, in terms of works such as Stravinsky's Ebony Concerto and Bernstein's Prelude, Fugue and Riffs.

The inspiration for this commission is the fact that the wind orchestra can in fact be split into 3 distinct instrumental groupings:

1. The instruments of a traditional big band (sax, trumpet and trombone)

2. An extended harmonie ensemble (of the type used by Mozart and others in the 18th Century) comprising woodwinds, horns and low brass

3. Acting as a bridge between the first two groupings, a piano, bass and percussion ensemble

The piece received its premiere on Saturday 23 April 2005 and was well received by the audience.

Related Links:

• Pete Meechan

• Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats

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