We're delighted to announce a new publishing agreement with UK composer, writer and broadcaster, Neil Brand, in respect of his concert works for actors and orchestra.
 
To date Neil has created two such works, both live adaptations of radio dramatizations, for which he has written both script and music.
 
A Christmas Carol is a 75-minute adaptation of Charles Dickens's masterpiece and is perfect festive concert-hall fare.  Neil has scored his version for 10 actors, a chorus of 24 singers and orchestra.  It was originally commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and 4, and recorded in 2014 in front of a live audience at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers - Robert Powell playing Scrooge.  It was later broadcast on BBC Radio 4. In December 2016 a live concert version was revived by the same forces (with Philip Jackson taking the role of Scrooge), conducted by Martin André, performances taking place in London's Barbican Hall, and in Saffron Hall.
 
The Wind in the Willows was also originally commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and 4, and first broadcast on Radio 4 in 2013, again with the BBC SO and BBC Singers.  The cast included Philip Jackson, Claire Skinner and Stephen Mangan. This 64-minute adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic Edwardian idyll is  scored for 10 actors, 8 singers and orchestra. 
 
Looking ahead, Neil is working on a new concert commission, The People's Guide to the Orchestra, to be launched in the Royal Albert Hall by Merton Music Foundation on 8 May.
 
A Christmas Carol
10 actors, 24 singers and orchestra.
75 minutes. 2222 - 2221 - timp - perc(2) - harp - strings
 
The Wind in the Willows
10 actors, 8 singers and orchestra
64 minutes. 2(II=picc).2(II=ca).2.2 - 4221 - timp - perc(4) - cel - harp - string