From song to radio via the USA
It was a delightful surprise to find out that Steven Mead's recording of my Robin Robin with the Brighouse and Rastrick band, conducted by David Thornton, was broadcast on Ian McMillan's Sunday morning show on 28 November 2021 and described by the broadcaster as 'by the fine composer Liz Lane who’s got such a gift for melody'. Even more so that this was my second Radio 3 broadcast this year, the first being Enchanted Light, part of the Bluebird series, recorded by Belinda Evans (soprano) with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Colin Booth (ottavino) in March.
Robin Robin started as a song recorded by Belinda Evans and Stephen Marquis to raise funds for the Yeovil Hospital's Flying Colours Appeal in 2013. It was David Thornton who suggested arranging it for euphonium and piano, and he gave the premiere in Malta in 2017. The USA premiere was given by John Storey and Caryl Congar as part of the The United States Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Workshop early in 2018, followed later that year in Atlanta by David Thornton and Keith Teepen, for the International Euphonium and Tuba Festival, Emory University, USA.
Belinda Evan's performance of Robin Robin can be found on my Soundcloud (link below) and also under Listen on this website. David Thornton and John Storey's performances can be seen under Watch on this website. Steven Mead's recording is on his CD UFO, described by David Childs on his official Facebook page as 'a particular highlight - beautiful'. The song is published by Composer's Edition and the euphonium versions by Kirklees Music.
Talking about my compositional journey and musical projects with Adrian Chiles and fellow guests Bear Grylls and Chris Roberts 'The Flamebaster'
Talking about my compositional journey and musical projects with Adrian Chiles and fellow guests Bear Grylls and Chris Roberts 'The Flamebaster'
Brand new wind band arrangement of 'Serenata' premiered by The Bands of HM Royal Marines (Collingwood) in Portsmouth.
Brand new wind band arrangement of 'Serenata' premiered by The Bands of HM Royal Marines (Collingwood) in Portsmouth.
Serenata recording by Grimethorpe and Jack Stamp featured again on BBC Radio 3's Sunday breakfast show
Serenata recording by Grimethorpe and Jack Stamp featured again on BBC Radio 3's Sunday breakfast show

A Durham City venue will come alive with the sounds of brass music this weekend.
The Story, our culture, heritage and registration venue, will host the Durham County Brass Band Association's competition this Sunday (17 May) from 10am until 5pm.
In its 80th year, the competition sees 11 of the region's brass bands competing, with a winning band announced at the end of the day.
Families are welcome at The Story from 10am, with bands starting to battle it out from 10.30am.
Bands taking part include Bearpark and Esh; Billingham Silver; Craghead Colliery; Dunston Silver; EDMG Peterlee; Felling; Ferryhill Town; Spennymoor Town; Trimdon; and Valley Brass.
In addition to The Story café being open, street food catering vans will be on site throughout the day and there'll be a range of family-friendly activities for younger audiences.
Face painting will be on offer between 11am and 3pm, and a visit to the venue's Search and Discover area will offer children a chance to create their own badge and banner.
Free parking for the event is available at Howlands Park and Ride, a five-minute walk to The Story.

Some of the best brass musicians in the world, at the peak of their powers, each presenting a programme of contemporary and traditional repertoire, along with major solo works, effortlessly linked by the inimitable Frank Renton.
Each band will be encouraged to present themselves in their best possible light, playing to their strengths and free of the stresses and strains of contesting.
The bands are:
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band: 10:30-11:15
Willebroek: 12:00-13:15
Black Dyke Band: 14:00-15:15pm
David Childs Solo Recital: 16:00-16:45
Flowers Band: 17:30-18:45
Foden's Band: 19:30-20:45