Composer Adrian Sutton is the latest musician on the Thoroughly Good Classical Music Podcast released today.
In the 40-minute episode he explores his newest concert piece, a violin concerto written and premiered by Fenella Humphreys. The work forms the centrepiece of a forthcoming album release. It includes music from Sutton’s Olivier Award-winning score for the National Theatre production of Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name.
Sutton is a generous podcast contributor. He combines passion, detailed knowledge, and experience from multiple disciplines. Our conversation spans his work in TV advertising, and theatre in which he shares valuable advice around the creative process. All this combined with a healthy spirit of self-deprecation. This enviable mindset is underscored by a new reality for the composer. Back in 2022, Sutton was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Far from distracting him from his craft, it focused on his most urgent priorities. A refocused energy is evident in what he says and how he says it.
The new album of Sutton’s works is out on the Chandos label on 4th October. All works are world premiere recordings. The War Horse Suite is a 15-min suite featuring highlights from Sutton’s larger work War Horse: The Story in Concert.
In addition to his new album release, new works have occupied Sutton’s time in 2024, including a song-cycle for mezzo-soprano and piano quartet (commissioned by Lucy Schaufer and Wild Plum Arts), and Sap and Sinews for the Presteigne Music Festival. This Christmas will see a short choral work premiered at Macmillan Carol Concert, Cadogan Hall 3rd Dec 2024, featuring horn player Ben Goldscheider and the Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra and Vivace Chorus.
War Horse returns to UK theatres in September 2024.
