A new euphonium concerto inspired by the story of Pinocchio will come to life in Cardiff next month.

Fresh from his success in writing 'Smoke Sketches' for the National Youth Championships of Great Britain composer Daniel Hall will hear his new work performed by his friend Matthew Rowe.

Pinocchio

The 'Pinocchio Concerto' is inspired by the famous story written in 1883 by the Italian Carlo Collodi, with each of its four movements exploring the tale — from the puppet's awakening and love of dance, to his realisation that he will never be able to love as he doesn't have a heart and the final acknowledgement of who and what he is.

The 18 minute work for euphonium with piano accompaniment was written for Matthew to form part of his final Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama degree recital, with Daniel telling 4BR that it was the darker elements of the original story, and not the celebrated Disney film, that caught his musical imagination.

Much darker

"The original story is much darker than you might imagine — and is really an allegory,"Daniel explained.

"Collodi represents Pinocchio as a tragic, disturbing figure, his misdemeanours a warning to others — especially his Italian countrymen. It isn't quite what Walt Disney made of it all. In the end he accepts his fate and finds true comfort and meaning."

He added: "I wrote it for Matthew as he's such a wonderful player — both with Tongwynlais Band and with the Indigo Brass Quartet who recently won the Philip Jones Ensemble Competition at RWCMD. We are also great friends, so I knew he would enjoy the work."

The original story is much darker than you might imagine — and is really an allegoryComposer, Daniel Hall

Premiere

The premiere will be held at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on 25th of May (1.15pm).

Entry is free, and Matthew will also be performing works by Philip Wilby, Martin Ellerby and Lucy Pankhurst.