Russell Gray is currently putting the finishing touches to the rehearsals with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra for the world premiere of American composer Bill Broughton's 'First Symphony'.

The work will be given its world premiere at the city's Old Museum Concert Hall on Sunday 8th July (3.00pm) and will be made extra special for the Scotsman as the composer has dedicated the work to him.

Response

"I contacted Bill last year about whether or not he would consider writing a symphony, and was delighted to find out that that he would do it,"Russell told 4BR.

"You can imagine my response though when I received the score to find written on the top of the very first page "…for Russell Gray".

I was completely blown away by such a generous gift from such an eminent composer and will be very proud to conduct the world premiere in BrisbaneRussell Gray

Blown away

He added: "I was completely blown away by such a generous gift from such an eminent composer and will be very proud to conduct the world premiere in Brisbane."

Also on the programme will be the Gordon Jacobs 'Trombone Concerto' featuring Christopher Thomson as soloist, as well as Brahms' mighty 'Third Symphony'.

Following the performance both Russell and Mareika Gray will head to New Zealand where they will adjudicate at the National Championships.