Battle of the Somme inspires new commission

Euphoniumist Micah Parsons has commissioned a new work for his instrument form the pen of Philip Harper. Speaking about how he got the idea for the commission Micah said, “2016 marks the 100th year centenary of the battle of the Somme which was fought in 1916 and cost the lives of over 20000 men on the first day of battle. The legacy of this battle is hundreds of cemeteries dotted at the side of roads and in the middle of fields marks the final resting place of those soldiers killed during and after the battle in this sector.

Following a visit in 2014, I decided to commission a new euphonium solo from Philip Harper entitled 'In Gardens of Peace' based around the atmosphere of these beautifully maintained Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries.” The piece has already received a great deal of interest from a number of national WW1 associations, including the Commonwealth War Graves.

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Photo: Commonwealth War Grave Cemetry