University of York Music Press

Eclipse was written in just 5 days during the beginnings of lockdown. Dr Lancaster explains the reasons behind his chosen title:

An Eclipse occurs when an astronomical body is temporarily obscured. I composed this music during the spring of 2020 – when many concerts, festivals, theatres and galleries have been suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic – at the request of Harrogate International Festivals. The music was intended initially for performance online but with the hope that in future it can be performed live at the Festival once the temporary suspension of our artistic lives is lifted and light returns.

The festival have stated that it is ‘more important than ever to create new music, support new commissions, bring communities together and keep the magic of music alive.’ Therefore, at HIF, they are welcoming all brass players, young and old, novice and professional, from all over the world, to be a part of the virtual performance and online world premiere of Eclipse. This recording will also feature trumpeter Mike Lovatt who will be contributing short solos at the beginning and end of work.

To read more about this project and even take part in the recording, please follow the attached link to the Harrogate International Festival. Here at UYMP, we will await with anticipation the recording of Eclipse, which is being coordinated by Craig Ratcliffe. Eclipse will also be performed live when the Harrogate International Festival celebrates its 55th anniversary next year (2021).