New musical work to get world premiere in Warrington

A NEW musical work is to get its world premiere at Warrington’s Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School on June 2.
The work, entitled “Latchford Locks” has been composed by renowned British composer Gary Carpenter, professor of composition at the Royal Northern College of Music.
It will be performed by the Warrington-based North Cheshire Wind Orchestra (NCWO).
Latchford Locks is the second in a series of works inspired by the Manchester Ship Canal and commissioned by the NCWO.
It starts with a simple theme for the People’s Canal, as it was originally known, which evokes the misty and murky waters of the canal. Through a series of variations Professor Carpenter brings to life different aspects of the canal from the Boggy Stream and the Stoney Sluices to the Goddess of Fruitfulness (the now derelict Pomona Lock) and the historic Black Bear Canal.
The piece has been commissioned by the NCWO and Tracy Woods and is dedicated to Bridget Smith, a great lover of the clarinet who had performed with the orchestra for more than 30 years until she recently lost her battle with cancer.
She had also brought joy to children and adults around the world through her work in the animation industry, working on programmes such as Bob the Builder and Postman Pat.
The NCWO is a community wind orchestra with around 30 members and has a 47 year history based in Warrington.
Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School is nationally recognised for the provision of music and is committed to providing opportunities for students to experience different kinds of music.
Latchford Locks will be performed as part of the school’s “Latchford Locks to the New World” concert.
The programme will be:
J. Brahms arr. Takahashi – Academic Festival Overture
R. Gliere arr. Longfield – Russian Sailors Dance
F. Ticheli – Shenandoah
G. Carpenter – Latchford Locks (world premiere)
Interval
A selection of music performed by students of Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School
L. Bernstein – Slava!
D. Bourgeoise – Serenade
P. Sparke – Land of the Long White Cloud
P. Tchaikovsky – Marche Slav
J. Texidor – Amperito Roca
Tickets are available at the door or can be booked via [email protected]
Adults £8, Concessions £7, under 18’s £3
Gary Carpenter has a formidable musical track record, having been invited by the BBC to compose a new work for the opening night of the BBC Proms in 2015. He has also provided music for many films including The Wicker Man and The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.