Dear Mr. Cook

Based on the life and work of Thomas Cook. Text from Cook’s own writings and other contemporary sources.
For choir a cappella, five instruments (vln, tpt, trom, picc, snare-drum), solo tenor and children’s chorus.
Commissioned by the Leicester International Festival, 2002 for musicians from Countesthorpe Community College, Leicester Schools Symphony Orchestra and local primary schools.
 

Admiral Odysseus

Musical. Commissioned by Trinity School, Croydon. F.p. Fairfield Halls, Croydon, 1992, cond David Squibb.
 

Red priest, Green Wellies

Children’s’ chorus, solo singer, piano or instrumental ensemble (flexible).
An introduction to Vivaldi’s The Four seasons for children.
Commissioned by the Arts Council/Music in your life consortium for children from primary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Performed at Music Celebration Days, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1999.
 

George and the Knife-Swallower

Children’s’ chorus, solo singer, piano or instrumental ensemble (flexible).
An introduction to the music of Handel for children.
Commissioned by the Arts Council/Music in your life consortium for children from primary schools in Northumberland. Performed at Music Celebration Days, Newcastle and Ford Castle, 2000.
 

Free thoughts on several eminent composer

Solo tenor, children’s’ chorus, string orchestra. Poem by Charles Lamb
Commissioned by the Avison ensemble. F.p. Avison ensemble, Garth Bardsley, tenor cond Andrew Gant, Newcastle 2002.