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        • Jonathan Dove

        • Gaspard's Christmas (2022)

        • Peters Edition Limited (World)

        Commissioned by Royal Scottish National Orchestra First performed 23 December 2022 by Royal Scottish National Orchestra at Usher Hall, Edinburgh

        • narr + unisonch; 2(II:pic).2.2.2(II:cbn)/2.2.3.1/timp.2perc(I:crot,bdr,sd,slghblls,tbells,tgl.II:glock,suspcym,ratchet,marktree,tamb,slghblls)/cel.hp/str(min 6.4.2.2.1)
        • unisonch
        • Narrator
        • 30 min

        Programme Note

        This enchanting Christmas story based on the book Gaspard’s Christmas written by Zeb Soanes with illustrations by James Mayhew is written for a narrator and an orchestra of 36 players.   

        Following on from the success of Gaspard’s Foxtrot (2019) this new adventure for the friendly fox was commissioned by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and premiered in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall in December 2022.   Narrated by Classic FM presenter and author Zeb Soanes, with music by Jonathan Dove and live drawing on the big screen throughout by award-winning illustrator James Mayhew the work also includes a community chorus who sing a rousing Christmas Song Christmas is Here. 

         The character of Gaspard was inspired by a real fox who visited Zeb in his garden at home in central London.  This is the second musical tale that has featured Gaspard.  Jonathan was inspired by Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, with instruments representing the different characters.  Listen out for the bassoon as Gaspard.   

         

         

         

        Media

        Premiere recording by RSNO

        More Info