Aubade Palindromique

Instrumentation

Symphony Orchestra

Score, download - 0.65MB

Other Information

This new orchestral piece, dedicated to Bob Vivian*, had its world première at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, by the Birmingham Schools’ Concert Orchestra on Wednesday 15th July in a Gala concert featuring various Music Service Central Ensembles, supported by Arts Council England. The new piece is called Aubade Palindromique and is a seven-minute orchestral work in three sections which are recapped in reverse, hence the title. 

Photos:

Left: Adrian Wooliscroft at Symphony Hall; Below Left:  [a] The BSCO just before the performance [b] programme listing [c] BSCO during the performance; Below Right: [a] Bob Vivian [b] Programme cover extract.

Note from the website editor: “I was privileged to attend a splendid concert at Birmingham’s magnificent Symphony Hall which was only one of five events celebrating the talents of the large number of orchestras, bands, ensembles & choirs run by the Music Service of Services for Education. Five hundred primary school children sang their hearts out; a steel band and wind orchestra added to the joy of the evening but for me the outstanding groups in the concert were the Birmingham Schools’ Percussion Ensemble [directed by Victoria Lee] and the Birmingham Schools’ Concert Orchestra [conducted by Bob Vivian]. The immensely talented percussionists stunned the audience with a virtuoso pair of pieces, the first of which: ‘Stool Pigeon’ was a dazzling and witty display of drumming skills by eight players on eight stools. It was brilliant! The excellent orchestra, with strength and depth in all sections, played the world première of CCA member Ade Woolliscroft’s ‘Aubade Palindromique’ which was the main reason for attending this concert. Ade communicates successfully through his beautifully-constructed music and it is obviously enjoyable to play judging by the faces of the orchestral players. It is not easy to write complex music which sounds natural, appropriate and skilful whilst also being entertaining, thought-provoking or challenging to the players and the audience. This piece demonstrates a masterly control of orchestration and I recommend it to orchestras looking for an engaging new piece which will start any concert off superbly.”

* "With his vision and infectious enthusiasm, Bob Vivian has established a reputation, playing in and conducting ensembles such as Gemini Brass, Birmingham Schools Concert Orchestra, and Birmingham Schools Brass Ensemble, as well as other amateur and professional groups. For many years he was a freelance trumpeter, playing in West Midlands musical theatre companies including the Alexandra and Hippodrome Theatres. He also played in a charity concert with the CBSO conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. With the Birmingham Schools Concert Orchestra he has toured in Switzerland, Germany and Norway, and has conducted them five times in the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. Guest performers have included Crispian Steele-Perkins, John Wallace and Sir Simon Rattle. He was also Musical Director for the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain’s production of Hansel and Gretel at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Bob is passionate about promoting opportunities for young musicians and was one of the three national adjudicators on the Sainsbury´s Youth Orchestra series."