Christmas Greetings

Christmas has always been a good time for catching up with friends and spending time with your family. My son Chris is home after his first term at University, so it’s great to have everyone here. Yesterday I thought it would be fun to record a family version of the Coventry Carol (always a favourite of mine), so here it is, with me on violins and synth bass, and Brenda, Chris and Jenny on handbells!! Coventry Carol

Brenda bought the handbells for use in workshops and other events, and they’ve already proved to be excellent value. They’re colourful metal and plastic affairs aimed at children but well worth having around.

I’m now looking ahead to 2009, after an exceptionally busy 2008, and hoping to have time for some exciting collaborations and possibly even another CD! The No-Man live CD and DVD should be released in the spring. I’m also working on new solo repertoire, and duo partnerships with a variety of wonderful musicians – more on this soon….

2009 is Ely Sinfonia’s 10th anniversary season, and I’m excited to be conducting all sorts of repertoire with them, from Rimsky-Korsakov’s amazing “Scheherezade” to the Mozart “Requiem” and Beethoven’s fifth symphony!

It promises to be a fulfilling year.

Whoever you are and wherever you are, please accept my sincere best wishes for 2009.