Work of the Week - Peter Maxwell Davies: A Reel of Spindrift, Sky

An ambitious and lengthy project finally reaches its climax this week as The National Youth Orchestra of Iraq gives the world premiere of a new work by their honorary composer in residence Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The orchestra's conductor, Paul MacAlindin, will take the baton as A Reel of Spindrift, Sky receives its first performance on the 15th of semptember at Saad Palace in the city of Erbil.

Maxwell Davies, Master of the Queen's Music, has dedicated the work to Prince William and Catherine Middleton on the occasion of their marriage in April earlier this year. Writing about the work, Max states:

This concert overture was written as a tribute to the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, in appreciation of their pioneering and healing work in circumstances I can only imagine. The work is full of echoes of the nature and folk music of the Scottish Northern Isles, and all sections of the orchestra are given a chance to shine.

The orchestra will also be performing at a sell out concert in Bonn, Germany as part of the annual Beethovenfest and the UK premiere of A Reel of Spindrift, Sky has been announced by the Dundee Symphony Orchestra on 31st March 2012.

• Peter Maxwell Davies - Profile
• The National Youth Orchestra of Iraq on Facebook