Award winning composer Lucy Pankhurst will be enjoying a post Olympic musical celebration in North Wales this weekend with the premiere of her new work entitled, ‘Spirit of the Flame’, which is set to be performed by the youngsters of the Denbighshire Youth/Training Band, under the baton of John Powell.
Olympic theme
The concert in Denbigh Town Hall on Friday evening will feature the talented youngsters performing a work which has been inspired by the ‘Olympic Theme’, and which takes the form of a musical relay between soloists travelling through Greece, Africa, India, Japan and finally the UK.
Next stage
Lucy told 4BR: "I've known John’s wife Heather for a very long time now. We first met at the RNCM during our degrees and have remained in touch ever since.
A few years ago, they asked me if I would write a piece for their 'little stars' training band they had started in Denbighshire, and I really enjoyed providing them with a small fanfare. Now the next stage is ‘Spirit of the Flame’."
The players have a lot to contend with, as the music includes singing, aleatory passages and extra percussion in addition to the technical demands of playing their instrumentsLucy Pankhurst
Strength to strength
Lucy added: "The children have gone from strength to strength under John’s musical direction, and earlier this year they asked me to write another piece.
The band has now grown to a county ensemble and a training band, with some fantastic young soloists! My brief was to include everyone in the piece (even the younger players who could manage just 2-3 notes) with an 'Olympic theme'.
The players have a lot to contend with, as the music includes singing, aleatory passages and extra percussion in addition to the technical demands of playing their instruments – although I know they will take all the challenges in their stride!"
Prince Charles
The performance is the culmination of a busy few weeks for the players, as they recently performed for Prince Charles on a recent visit to the area.
Lucy concluded: "It’s going to be a wonderful night – and I can’t wait to hear the piece being played. Everyone should be very proud of all they have achieved and I hope they enjoy playing my work."
