The Cory Band has been preparing for their appearance at this year's RNCM International Brass Band Festival, which will feature the much-anticipated world premiere of Richard Blackford's major new work, 'Orbital',
Commissioned by a consortium partnership of five bands, BBC Radio 3 and Nimbus Music Publications, it will be performed in Manchester on Sunday 25th January (3.00pm).
The composition has also involved the insight of renowned orchestral conductor Martyn Brabbins, who recently joined the composer in a visit Cory's bandroom to enjoy working with them on the piece with MD Philip Harper.
Privilege
Philip later told 4BR: "It was a real privilege to welcome Martyn to Cory and to benefit from his insight as we put the finishing touches to our RNCM programme.
Also having Richard Blackford with us to shape 'Orbital' ahead of its premiere made the evening truly special — an energising and very rewarding night of music-making for the band."
The work takes inspiration from the 2024 Booker Prize-winning novel, by author Samantha Harvey which in turn was inspired by the research of Carl Sagan. It follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station as they orbit Earth, contemplating its relationship to themes of God, life, and existential threats such as climate change."
Orbital and more
In addition to the world premiere of 'Orbital', Cory's RNCM programme will also feature Philip Sparke's 'Raveling, Unraveling', as well as a second world premiere of Mark Borden's 'Descent'. Their featured soloist is Brett Baker who will perform 'Light Fantastic' by Philip Wilby.
