"I originally composed this music after a visit to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve on the coast of Lincolnshire, where I noticed its proximity to the bustling holiday town of Skegness. The reserve, with its peaceful ambience, inspired me, recording the sound of a cuckoo calling, which features in the video clip (on YouTube). This experience led me to reflect on the encroachment of human activity on the natural areas of the UK, especially as the population increases, and the consequences of wildlife predation by our pets, particularly cats.
To enhance the project, I asked a young pupil from the school where I teach to create drawings of a cat and a cuckoo, both of which turned out to be fantastic. I composed the orchestral music and integrated Matthew's drawings using iMovie. The score was also recently performed by the Leicester Grammar School orchestra. I hope you enjoy this collaborative project. Darron
Three Kings From The East
'Three Kings From The East' is a choral composition for Christmas, set for SATB, strings, piano and glockenspiel.
Rhapsodic Echoes for the Trombone
This piece was written for the trombone for the student Jennifer Ewington at Leicester Grammar School and was performed by the Bardi Orchestra.
The introduction begins with a powerful chord from the orchestra, featuring a solo trombone line accompanied by a timpani roll on the tonic note. A call-and-response exchange between the orchestral instruments creates a growing sense of tension, leading into the 3/4 section. This dialogue continues until the music gradually relaxes, giving way to a more imitative texture as different instruments echo the trombone’s phrases. The section evolves into a celebration of the traditional timbre and expressive range of the trombone. Throughout the piece, an ongoing dialogue unfolds between the soloist and the orchestra, culminating in a climactic passage where the trombone and ensemble unite in a final, powerful statement.
Rejoice for SATB choir and orchestra captures the grandeur of Handel’s style while offering a fresh perspective — one that celebrates the dignity and vitality of ordinary people. Written to inspire both performers and audiences alike, this uplifting work brings a sense of community and joy to any concert programme.
