Mtys Seiber
Besardo Suite No.2 for string orchestra (1942)
World premiere recording

Lennox Berkeley
Antiphon op.85 for string orchestra (1973)
World premiere recording

Peter Crossley-Holland
Suite No.1 for string orchestra (1938)
World premiere recording

Gordon Crosse
Elegy & Scherzo Alla Marcia op.47 for string orchestra (1981)
World premiere recording

Anthony Gilbert
Another Dream Carousel for string orchestra (2000)

John Manduell
Rondo for Nine, for string nonet (2005)
Daniel Storer (double bass solo)
World premiere recording

MANCHESTER CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Richard Howarth (director/conductor)

Recorded at Withington School, Manchester, 16-17 July 2007

This tribute to Sir John Manduell, on his eightieth birthday, has a much wider appeal than to just those who have been associated with him in his many roles. For twenty-five years he was programme director of the Cheltenham Festival, and while at Lancaster University , the Royal Northern College of Music and the BBC he became known as an educator, administrator and composer. The works presented on this disc are all associated with Manduell, crowned by his own Rondo for Nine. Substantial scores by Mtys Seiber, Lennox Berkeley, Peter Crossley-Holland and Gordon Crosse fill gaps in those composers' recorded output, and give the programme a special interest. The title of the disc is taken from Lennox Berkeley's eloquent and atmospheric Antiphon, on its own account sufficient enough reason to cherish this milestone collection.

CDLX 7207

“This disc takes its title, Antiphon, from a splendid work by Lennox Berkeley, one of six composers represented in this 80th birthday tribute to Sir John Manduell.”
“... the most intriguing is Manduell’s recent Nonet ...”
“Richard Howarth directs skilled performances.” Daily Telegraph, 4 May 2008