CREATING 'THE EMPEROR'S ORCHESTRA'

PATRIC STANDFORD's diary for this recent commission

19 December 1999

In my capacity as Yorkshire Post music critic, reviewed North of England Chamber Orchestra's Christmas concert this evening. Last year they did Peter and the Wolf and Howard Blake's 'Snowman'. This year Poulenc's Babar the Elephant and Howard Blake's 'Snowman'. O dear. The orchestra is excellent (they are the Northern Ballet orchestra) and conductor John Pryce-Jones an enthusiastic and highly skilled dynamo! Afterwards at a reception in the beautiful Dean Clough Galleries in Halifax, I suggested to John and the narrator, the ebullient Yorkshire actor Barrie Rutter, distinguished founder and director of Northern Broadsides company, that it was time for a change. What else is there? 'Why don't you and Barrie write something,' said John. 'Send me a musical story and I will,' -- which is the sort of silly thing I would say at a bibulous reception.

8 April 2000

Letter from John P-J; we'll take you up on that musical story idea; will continue to encourage Barrie to send you some of his sample tales. Hopefully for our next Christmas concert.

26 May 2000

Another letter -- 'Great news that Ian Killik has now joined us as General Manager. He will pursue Barrie Rutter who hasn't yet come up with anything.

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