Orbital gains further media coverage in Scotland

The final commissioning premiere of Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' has attracted the media interest of 'The Scotsman' newspaper.

The performance will the final commissioning premiere of the work

Thursday, 12 November 2026

The performances of the defending Brass in Concert champion the cooperation band continue to gain extensive media coverage, with 'The Scotsman' newspaper spotlighting their upcoming premiere of Richard Blackford's 'Orbital'.

Inspired by Samantha Harvey's 2024 Booker-winning novel it will be the last of the five commissioning band premieres to be given this year following Cory, Foden's Flowers and Tredegar.

It will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on 27th November, where it will also be recorded for BBC Radio 3 to be made available via BBC Sounds.

Interview

The newspaper's Arts and Culture correspondent Jane Bradley also spoke with Martyn Brabbins who will conduct the work, as well giving two student conducting masterclasses on it on Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25th November.

Speaking about the composition, the chief conductor of the Malmo Symphony Orchestra said that his reconnection with the "extraordinarily rich"brass banding culture in the UK had enabled him to link up with the composer, who he described as "incredibly versatile", with a sense of "real enthusiasm to explore this unique musical world."

He added that the composition was, "essential for the continual renewal of this mighty tradition."

Positive

Meanwhile, Richard Blackford added that brass bands responded, "very positively to narratives, to a piece that has got some kind of a storyline"- something that he kept "at the front of my mind as I started sketching the piece."

The band's MD Katrina Marzella-Wheeler added the Scottish premiere of 'Orbital' was made "more special" in that they would be working with Martyn Brabbins in their on-going ambition to "opening up doors" to enhance "free access to music making that unravels contemporary classical music for members of the public."

Martyn Brabbins added that the composition was, "essential for the continual renewal of this mighty tradition"4BR

Premiere

The Scottish premiere of 'Orbital' will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on 27th November.

It has been recorded for BBC Radio 3 where it is available via BBC Sounds.

Masterclasses:

Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25th November 2026
7:30 â€” 9:30pm
SilverCloud Studios, Hillington, Glasgow

Observer registration: Free, limited places
Contact: matt.thecooperationband@gmail.com

Concert:

Friday 27th November
7:30pm
Stevenson Hall, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow

Concert tickets: Available via the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland website: www.rcs.ac.uk

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