David Gordon-Shute conductor
RCM Wind Orchestra
John Williams (arr Philip Sparke) Hymn to the Fallen
Gwydion Rhys De profundis (word premiere)
Lucy Armstrong Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing
Hindemith Symphony in B flat
Dani Howard Argentum
The RCM Wind Orchestra presents a programme of contrasts, but one that brings together defining moments of both personal achievement and recent history.
The powerful Hymn to the Fallen is taken from Steven Spielberg’s film Saving Private Ryan, a compelling account of the pivotal D-Day landings that took place 80 years ago this year, whilst Lucy Armstrong’s Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing depicts her challenging journey through the Himalayan mountains.
Alongside a world premiere by RCM composer Gwydion Rhys is Hindemith’s contrapuntal Symphony in B flat, a cornerstone of wind band repertoire that propelled writing for the medium. The programme ends with RCM alumna Dani Howard’s very first piece written for a professional symphony orchestra, described as ’short, fun and reflective’.