Instrumentation
full symphony orchestra
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Other Information
Commissioned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in celebration of the 150th anniversary of its foundation.
First performed on January 28th 1997 in Symphony Hall, Birmingham by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Constantine. As a result of the success of this work Andrew Downes was awarded a commemorative gold medal for his "outstanding contribution" to the anniversary celebrations of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The Central England Ensemble conducted by Anthony Bradbury performed the work in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, in November 2004. In May 2009, the Haybridge Community Orchestra, conducted by Cynthia Downes, gave a performance of the overture in St John´s Church, Hagley, Worcestershire, as part of the 2009 Hagley Music Festival.
´...the overture flickers into life like a willing machine, broad chorales soaring proudly over energetic rhythms.´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST
´...an incredible score. Among its many qualities is a marvellous understanding and control of the orchestra. The music is very loud and dramatic at times and almost unbearably exciting and yet the texture of the writing is absolutely faultless.´ Dr David Wright MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL
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