A symphonic brass and percussion version of Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is set to be performed by players of one of the world's finest symphony orchestras in the USA later this year.

An ensemble from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Michael Mulcahy will perform the work as part of their 136th season on 15th December at the Chicago Symphony Centre.

The work will be part of a programme that will also include Vaughan Williams' 'Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis' alongside Gershwin's 'An American in Paris', Gabrieli's 'Magnificat a 12 from Sacrae Symphoniae No. 1' Puts' 'Elegy' and John Williams' 'Summon the Heroes'.

Finest brass section

Speaking to 4BR, the composer said: "I'm particularly pleased about Chicago, as they are rightly regarded as arguably the finest brass section of any orchestra in the world. I only wish I could get there for it.

After the performances of the original version for brass band at last year's Royal Albert Hall National Finals and subsequent widespread coverage, broadcasts such as Black Dyke at the recent Proms, there has been a great interest in the work.

It's very satisfying that the work is now getting so much exposure. I remain incredibly grateful to everyone who has performed it."

European trio

The Chicago concert will be the culmination of cross-Atlantic series that will also see a trio of performances in Europe given by a specially conceived Brass Ensemble made up of students from the Royal Conservatoires of Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, conducted by Luc Vertommen.

Their performances from part of a concert series entitled 'Resonant Architectures' which is a tribute to Elgar Howarth and English music for brass ensembles.

Concerts:

28th October:
Witte Zaal
Desguinlei
Antwerp — Witte Zaal

30th October:
Miry Concertzaal
Conservatorium Gent

31st October:
MiM (Musical Instruments Museum)
Brussels

15th December:
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Centre