Composer Tom Davoren has been commissioned by the Royal Air Force to create a new work with an Olympic flavour.

'Return to the White City' will be premiered on 23rd June by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force conducted by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs and Flight Lieutenant Richard Murray at the Royal Air Force Musical Salute to the Queen’s Jubilee.

Churchill

The concert which takes place at Loseley Park House, the former residence of Winston Churchill, will also feature the Military Wives Choir and air displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Hawk Display Team and the RAF Falcons Parachute Team.

Adrenaline fuelled

Tom told 4BR: "'Return to the White City' is an adrenaline fueled concert overture celebrating the return of the Olympic torch to London. It takes its name from the famous stadium which was built to host the first London Olympics in 1908."

He added: "It celebrates the shared ethos of the Royal Air Force and Olympic games; one of friendly competition, team development and personal betterment. The first performance will also feature pyrotechnics and a cinema screen projection."

New music and creativity are a massive part of what we do at the Royal Air Force Music Services. It’s great working with Tom to help us commemorate a special Diamond Jubilee and Olympic yearWing Commander Duncan Stubbs

Team up

The project has meant that Tom has once again teamed up with a band that he knows well.

"It’s always a pleasure to visit Duncan Stubbs (with Tom above) and the band. Having heard fantastic performances of my other music by them over the last few years, I'm thrilled to be working on a commission for such an occasion. Nobody could do it better."

Duncan added: "New music and creativity are a massive part of what we do at the Royal Air Force Music Services. It’s great working with Tom to help us commemorate a special Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year."