Reviews

The jury were ‘intrigued and delighted by the sound world of the winning work. In a large and diverse field, it stood out for the composer’s fine ear and excellent technique. Easily playable by amateurs, in the judges’ view, it was nonetheless clearly a serious and effective concert work.’

The Serious Side of Madness for Chamber Orchestra, which won the Making Music Category of the British Composer Awards in 2009.


‘Playing with Destiny’, the highlight of the programme for me…had a bold opening with an immediate and highly original harmonic language. The effect of the sound world was big and solid: intense horn chords were brilliantly contrasted with striking percussion chords. The louder sections gave way to quieter moments although the intensity of the piece never waned. Doubling of unusual instruments such as cor anglais and bass clarinet deepened the mysterious world. Although it was clear that the score had its challenges, I think the Lambeth Wind Orchestra peaked extremely well, rising to the challenge of the music to which I gave generous applause. I have no doubt in my mind this piece should go on to allow other wind orchestras the world over to enjoy a new and highly original piece of music.

Shea Lolin on the world première of Playing with Destiny for Wind Band (Winds Magazine).