4BR has been informed that Andrew Baker’s 'The Once & Future King', the 2009 Third Section Area test piece, has been transcribed for full symphony orchestra.

Swiss first

Composed by Andrew in 2007, the original work was initially entered into a composition competition run by the Swiss Brass Band Association and was chosen as the Third Section test piece for their National Championship that year.

It was subsequently used at the ‘Areas’ in 2009, and it was here that it was first heard by John Bryant, conductor of the Weston Super Mare Band, who thought it would work well for symphony orchestra.

Collaboration

John is also the course manager for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and through collaboration between its conductor Roger Clarkson, the composer and JAGRINS Publications, an orchestral version was made.

There are very few works originally for brass band in the orchestral repertoire, and those that exist are by legendary British composers like Holst, Ireland, Elgar and Howells. I’m honoured that I have been allowed to join themAndrew Baker

First performance

The work will receive its first performance by the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (under 12 Orchestra) conducted by Roger at Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire on Saturday 21st August.

Delight

Andrew is obviously delighted with this little piece of history, commenting: "Often orchestral works are transcribed for brass band and this has become a large part of the repertoire over the years.

"There are very few works originally for brass band in the orchestral repertoire, and those that exist are by legendary British composers like Holst, Ireland, Elgar and Howells. I’m honoured that I have been allowed to join them."