Score (fp) 0-571-56732-0 on sale, parts for hire

One of the glories of London musical life is the number, range and quality of its chamber orchestras including period bands, contemporary specialists and, like the Mozart Players, general practitioners. It is a privilege to contribute to these celebrations for the oldest-established. This is the fourth piece I have written with ‘concerto’ in the title. The others (for viola, oboe and cello) were concerned with the traditional opposition of solo and tutti. This concerto, on the other hand, displays the virtuosity of a large group playing as one. There are introspective corners but they tend to be overwhelmed by panels of loud, fast and raucous music. It is in a single movement and lasts for about 18 minutes. John Woolrich Concerto for Orchestra was commissioned by the London Mozart Players, for their 50th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Royal Festival Hall on 11 February 1999, conducted by Matthias Bamert.