The penultimate commissioning premiere of Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' was given by Tredegar Band at Ardingly College in West Sussex on the weekend.

The work by the Ivor Novello award winning composer has gained widespread critical acclaim since its world premiere given by Cory Band at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester earlier this year.

It has subsequently been performed by fellow commissioning bands Flowers and Foden's, with the final premiere to be given by the cooperation band in Scotland later this year. It was also performed by the National Youth Brass Band of Wales under Philip Harper as part of its recent 2026 course.

Composer inspires

The composer was joined by Antony Smith, the managing director of publisher Nimbus Recordings for the Tredegar performance after giving a workshop to A Level composition students at the college as part of day of tuition given by the band.

Richard Blackford introduced the work to the audience at Ardingly's Chapel, pointing out that he felt provided "both a wonderful acoustic and glorious setting"with it backdrop tapestry of a radiant sun and stars — part of the view the six astronauts aboard the International Space Station would have as it orbits the Earth.

Following the performance he also enjoyed by persuaded to have a number of 'selfies' with the students he inspired with his composition.

Outstanding addition

Speaking about the work, Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse added: "It's been a real pleasure to give our premiere of this outstanding addition to the banding repertoire, and especially after such a great day at Ardingly.

Richard was right about the acoustic and setting — the work came alive with its drama and atmosphere. We've thoroughly enjoyed working on it and look forward to performing it again and again."