by on

Last Spring I mentioned the possiblity of orchestral performances of my music in the United States. I am delighted to say that two performances have now taken place. Both were of my composition for solo Wagner Tuba and Orchestra: The Edel Rhapsody.

Wagner Tuba – A First For The State Of Ohio

Just recently on 24 February 2019, the Edel Rhapsody had its second orchestral performance in the United States, making it a ‘first’ for the State of Ohio. The concert was staged by the Cleveland Heights Orchestra at the beautiful St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights.

Tren Cheshier playing solo Wagner TubaThe Wagner tuba soloist was renowned Cleveland hornist Tren Cheshier, principal horn of no less than three orchestras: the Cleveland Heights Orchestra, Cleveland Opera Orchestra and Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. Tren has also performed with the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, Cleveland Ballet and Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.

With such a pedigree I was keen to learn how the performance went and what the experience was like for Tren. Here is his reply: “Playing the piece was a wonderful experience and one I’d happily repeat! My musician friends loved the lyricism and Englishness of the melodies.”

To read one of the formal music reviews of the performance click here.

Edel Rhapsody First US Performance

Flyer for Wagner tuba peformance WisconsinIn October 2018 in Hudson, Wisconsin, the St Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra performed the Edel Rhapsody with their principal hornist Denny McGinn as Wagner Tuba soloist. The concert was very well received.

Here is what Denny had to say: “I came across a YouTube recording of the Edel Rhapsody and loved the way that it featured the sound of the Wagner Tuba. I ordered a copy of Edel Rhapsody with piano accompaniment. I liked it so much that I gave a copy of the recording to the SCVSO director and it was put on the SCVSO program for the October 20 concert. The Edel Rhapsody is fun to play and really features the sound of the Wagner Tuba.”

by on

I was suprised when I looked today and realised how long it is since I last posted. The autumn and winter months seem to have flown by so fast but then it is not surprising when I think about it. I have been ensconced in a lot of work using the Sibelius program and whilst that has been very rewarding, it has been like living in another world for a while!

Social Feedback

The last few months has also seen my Facebook page audience grow to over 13,000 followers and my YouTube Channel has a bigger following too with over 3,000 subscribers. It means a lot to receive support like this and I will certainly try to share more new music and video material over the coming months.

Here is one of my videos which recently picked up in popularity:


Orchestral Performances

A News item about the Edel Rhapsody may also be on the horizon as I await confirmation of two concert  performances in the United States.  I’m really excited about that!

by on

As mentioned in a previous post, I was kept busy this winter recording a new album of music for guitar and orchestra. It’s unlike anything I’ve done before and I’m delighted with the ‘journey’ it has so far taken me on. I just have the final mix to complete and it would have been ready earlier but for having to devote time to another project.

My Edel Rhapsody for solo Bflat Wagner Tuba and Orchestra has been generating a lot of interest with many requests throughout last year for a piano reduction of the score. There are many Wagner Tuba players who don’t have ready access to an orchestra and conductor yet who want to play the music.

So I decided to do what, to be honest, I should have done well before now. It was one of those tasks where you find yourself thinking ‘Yes, that’s it, finished!’ but then reflect and decide on further refinements but the good news is that it is now complete and I’m very happy with it.

Having a version for Wagner Tuba and Piano is going to allow many more players to enjoy performing the music. Follow the link for details on how to obtain the sheet music.

Now back to that mix ….