The beat goes on – performance to unveil four years later

The music, titled, Apkallu:Protector, which was specially commissioned by the CPSO, is inspired by the beliefs of the ancient Assyrians and their protectors, the extraordinary Apkallu, part-man, part-animal, seen in exquisite carvings in the British Museum. There are dances, processions and moments of quiet reflection in the piece.

Deirdre Culloty, Chair of CPSO, said: “It feels like this concert has been four years in the making as we had originally planned it before the Covid lockdown to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. So, we are delighted to come together now in 2024 and celebrate with this fantastic original score and accompanied by the future of music in Peterborough, with five young percussionists playing a wide range of percussion instruments, including singing bowls.”

The CPSO spring concert will be held at Queen Katharine Academy Hall on Sunday 17 March 2024 at 3.00pm.

Martin Bright, the composer, studied at the Royal College of Music in London, and has performed in the Albert Hall, St Paul’s cathedral and West End theatre productions, and currently teaches percussion in Peterborough.

Martin said: “It is wonderful that given all the setbacks the orchestra has kept this project alive and I can’t wait to hear the piece performed for the first time after first beginning to develop the work in 2018. The students have really committed to this music and hearing it played by real people to an audience is going to be wonderful”.

As well as the special performance of Martin’s Apkallu:Protector, the concert highlights will also include:

• Vaughan Williams - English Folk Song Suite
• Edward Elgar - Enigma Variations

Tickets for this concert are available now from the orchestra website: www.cpso.org.uk

Tickets £14.00 – concessions £12.00. Under 18 tickets £5 only / Two under 18’s free when accompanied by an adult.