I wrote this tenor horn concerto for Owen Farr in 2002, whilst we were both studying at the RNCM in Manchester. I had never heard a brass player like Owen before and was stunned by his technical brilliance as well as his musicality. Also, being at college myself, and exploring the horn repertoire in more detail, I wanted to write something which showed the versatility of the instrument and used more of the extreme range. This was my first attempt at a large-scale work.

 

I actually gave the premiere of the 2nd movement in my final degree recital, but Owen gave the first official premiere of the full work at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2005.