ALTHOUGH the reputation of Alton composer Philip Andrews is already spreading far and wide, with choral pieces having been performed by top choirs in London and Rome and a CD featuring his successful Jane Austen Suite being played across the English-speaking world as part of the author’s bicentenary celebrations during 2017, it will be Alton Concert Orchestra that gives the first performance of two of his orchestral pieces at its 25th anniversary concert at Alton College on Saturday.

Sandwiched between compositions by two great classical composers, Smetana and Tchaichovsky, according to Luath Grant-Ferguson Philip’s pieces have been described by musicians rehearsing for the concert as “enjoyable to hear as well as to play”.

Later this month, the piece which first made serious musical enthusiasts aware of Philip’s talent, his moving setting of Tennyson’s The Farewell will be performed by Alton’s chamber choir, Cantique, in their springtime concert at St Matthew’s Church, Blackmoor.

Recalling the warm response to the piece’s first performance in St Paul’s Church, London (The Musicians’ Church) three years ago, Philip is delighted that townsfolk will have a chance to hear it sung in another beautiful location.

“Cantique is such a polished choir with a wonderful reputation,” said Philip.

“It’s a great privilege to have them perform my music, especially under their conductor, Chris Gardner, who is an outstanding musician and a fellow composer. To have pieces performed by two brilliant local groups of musicians in the same month is a real treat.”

But the treat doesn’t stop there. In July, Philip’s Jane Austen Suite will be the centrepiece of a 200th anniversary concert at Steventon, Jane Austen’s birthplace, with a ‘return match’ at Chawton House Library in October.

Some of Philip’s most lively and popular music will also feature in a major community concert in aid of Bushy Leaze Children and Families Centre in the autumn.

Tickets for Alton Concert Orchestra’s concert, which starts at 7.30pm, are available on the door or online at [email protected]. Tickets for Cantique’s concert in Blackmoor on April 29 are available via cantique.org/ticket-reservations.