Composer Paul Saggers continues to showcase the wide range of inspiration behind his works for different musical mediums.

The bandsman with His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood gained critical acclaim in 2021 for his work 'Vulpes Vulpes' which won the prestigious O/Modernt Composition Award and which was premiered by the Manchester Camerata Ensemble at the Manchester International Festival.

It was followed by works for the brass band medium, including 'In Many Lands — The Adventures of Mary Seacole' inspired by the remarkable life of the Victorian British-Jamaican nurse which was premiered by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in 2022.

In late 2022 Tredegar Band performed his 'Ice Bird' suite at the Brass in Concert Championships, whilst this week His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood premiered his sci-fi adventure ''Vivaldi's Mission to Saturn on a Dog named Bongo'.

Dear Nan

He is now continuing his musical relationship with the Manchester Camerata in a joint commission alongside the Hall for Cornwall where the work will be performed in May.

'Dear Nan' is inspired by the Camerata's award winning project initiative, 'Music and Dementia', which for the past decade has brought the benefit of music to sufferers, their families and carers.

The destructive scope of the illness touches countless people — from the earliest signs of forgetfulness to the final stages of complete impairment.

Remembering the person

Speaking to 4BR Paul said: "This is something our family has experienced first hand as well -losing his nan to dementia at the beginning of the year. However, the work also serves as a memoriam and the importance of remembering the person for who they were and who they inspired others."

He added: "That person for me was 'My Nan' — Mary Winifred Buckingham who introduced me to a life of music by motivating and sometimes giving me a good telling off to learn the cornet!

I wish I could still thank her every day, as I'm sure others would wish for their loved ones."

That person for me was 'My Nan' — Mary Winifred Buckingham who introduced me to a life of music by motivating and sometimes giving me a good telling off to learn the cornet!Paul Saggers

Premiere

'Dear Nan' will be premiered at the Hall for Cornwall on Tuesday 2nd May (7.30pm), with a subsequent performance on Tuesday 9th May at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (noon).

https://hallforcornwall.co.uk/playhouse-tickets-shows/manchester-camerata/about-the-show

https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/whats-on/manchester-middays-09-05-23/