Debut CD in the offing

Talks are taking place about a potential debut commercial CD of 3 of Barrett's orchestral works.

The 3 works, all of which received acclaim at their premieres, are solo concertos with orchestra - First Born, for solo violin and string orchestra, premiered with Krzysztof Smietana; Conversation with Chet, for solo trumpet and symphony orchestra which was created for Alison Balsom and premiered with Sir Roger Norrington and the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra; and Toilers of the Elements, the seascape percussion concerto written last year for Dame Evelyn Glennie which received a standing ovation at its premiere in Plymouth Guildhall.

Dame Evelyn Glennie described Toilers of the Elements as 'A wonderful new concerto which explores the real subtlety and musicality of percussion playing in relation to the string orchestra'. She continues: 'James Barrett allows the performers to delve into so much more than what the written page can project. He injects this need for us all, performers and audience alike, to use all our senses to participate in the piece'.

Photo: Jim Callaghan

Date: 17/05/2011

Premiere of Fisher Of Men for Wells Cathedral Choir

The new anthem for St. Andrew's Day, Fisher Of Men, composed for the choir at Wells Cathedral received it's first performance on St. Andrew's Day, 30 November.
Fisher Of Men is an anthem of 7 minutes duration for choir and organ, which gives an account of the apostle Andrew's life and martyrdom on the cross. Both the text and music were written by the composer.

Matthew Owens, Master of the Choristers at Wells Cathedral, who conducted the premiere of the work, said:

"It was a pleasure to work on Fisher of Men and we enjoyed giving the first performance. There is much drama in the piece, particularly in the way the parts intertwine, and there is very effective word-painting. I would recommend other choirs consider performing this work."

Date: 09/12/2011