Trumpet Concerto ‘Invocation’ (2021)

Date of composition: 2021; Duration: 24’00; Commissioning body: London Schools Symphony Orchestra; Premiere performance: 20 September 2021, Barbican Centre, London; Premiere performers: Peter Ash/London Schools Symphony Orchestra/Pacho Flores (soloist); Publisher: Eleanor Alberga

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Extract from Donald Sturrock’s programme notes (please contact us to request permission to use):

“Eleanor Alberga’s ‘Invocation’ was born out of a commission devised by the LSSO’s Artistic Director, Peter Ash. He requested a hybrid piece from her: a Trumpet Concerto for Pacho Flores that would show off Flores’s extraordinary virtuosity, but that would also be a dance piece. There was to be a loose narrative around the shared myths and cultures of the islands and the mainland coastline of the Caribbean. The dances were to be choreographed by Colombian ballet dancer Fernando Montano.

Ash’s characteristically ambitious plan was to take the orchestra on a summer tour of Colombia and present the work there with local dancers. Unfortunately the pandemic intervened and those plans were abandoned. But the commission was underway and Pacho Flores was booked, so the only way possible was forwards.

The resulting concerto entitled ‘Invocation’ is a mighty work, of truly astral dimensions. For its underlying subject is the creation of the world, the conflicts and beliefs of its peoples, culminating in a vision for the future of humankind. The piece is testament both to Eleanor’s amazing energy and creativity - even in her eighth decade - and to the rich ethnic traditions that have made the Caribbean such a compelling melting-pot.”

Instrumentation:

3(2/picc,3/picc).3.3(bcl).3(3=cbn)/4.3(1/Dtpt).3(btbn).1/timp.3perc/hp/pno/str + solo trumpet (Bb/C/D/Flugelhorn)

Percussion:

Bass Drum, Cabasa, Cardboard Document Files (2x), Congas (2x), Glockenspiel (with 2x bows), Gong-gongs, Maracas (2x), Metal Wind Chimes, Pair of Cymbals, Sand Blocks, Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Tam-tam, Triangle, Whistle, Wooden Wind Chimes, Xylophone

Extra Percussion:

A total of 20 Cardboard Document Files are required for the section starting in Mov. 1 bar 185. 2 each are given to: Percussion 1, Flutes 1-3, Oboes 1-3, Trumpets 1-3