A new work by composer Liz Lane, which features an intoxicating mix of brass, Bhangra and classical music instrumentation, will be premiered in Bristol next month.

New commission

'Dance where the Spirit Enlightens', is a new commission to mark the Arts Council England's 70th anniversary, and will feature an ensemble from the Lydbrook Band alongside euphonium virtuoso David Thornton, leading orchestral players and the RSVP Bhangra Band.

It will also form the centre-piece of a lecture given by former Arts Council England Chairman, Sir Christopher Frayling as part of the 'Bristol Festival of Ideas' which will look at the history of the organisation as well as its future funding and general arts policy.

Dance spirit

Liz told 4BR that she was delighted to be able to write a work for the event. "'Dance where the Spirit Enlightens' brings together a diverse group of seventeen musicians of different cultures and musical backgrounds in a celebration of art and culture through seven decades,"she said.

"The seven movements portray aspects of the Arts Council's history whilst also representing key elements of Arts Council England's support for the arts today: collections; combined arts; dance; libraries; literature; museums; music; theatre and visual arts.

The title is inspired by quotes from the first chairman of the Arts Council, John Maynard Keynes."

The seven movements portray aspects of the Arts Council's history whilst also representing key elements of Arts Council England's support for the arts todayComposer, Liz Lane

Talk

The composition will be conducted and Ian Holmes and Liz will also give a short talk about it, which features an ensemble from the Lydbrook Band and David Thornton alongside the renowned RSVP Bhangra Band, harp, soprano vocalist, oboe, cello and cor anglais, prior to the performance.

The event takes place at the Arnolfino in Bristol on Friday 11th November (7.00pm). Admission is free.

Latest work

'Dance where the Spirit Enlightens' is the latest high profile work from Liz to be featured in the city, following the critical acclaim received by 'The Silver Rose' last year.

In addition her solo work 'Slate, Sea and Sky' is premiered by cornet star Jim Hayes' on his latest CD 'Angels Will Fall', whilst her 'Innovation 216' which draws on Bristol's proud flight history, and particularly of Concorde, will be performed by an ensemble of 300 brass and choir, on 27th November at St George's Bristol.