A new work by composer Phil Lawrence will receive its premiere next month at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Featuring the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Salford Choral Society the work is in memory of the composer's great friend and colleague James Eastham.

"Jim was an extraordinary man,," Phil told 4BR: "I once watched him fill in at a lunch time concert in a piano duet version of Stravinsky’s 'Rite of Spring' at just a few minutes notice — and he didn't miss a note!"

Jim was a highly respected lecturer at the RNCM and also conducted both the Blackburn Choral then Salford Choral where he stayed for 30 years.

"The work is about Jim — a giant of a musician," Phil added.