Of course, I am referring to Frederic Delius, whose piano concerto is scheduled to be performed in May. Other Bradford composers such as Frederick Cliffe, Harry Bramah and even his contemporaries at Bellevue Grammar School 60 years ago, Mike Butt of Wombles and Watership Down fame. It's understandable, or maybe it's a shame, that Bunkaichi should have ignored major British composers like that, when they had never heard of them. It is unconscionable to give so little notice.
At this time in British history when the scandal of slavery is of particular concern, it would be great if a production (concert or performance) of Delius' opera “Koanga'', which tells the story of the African prince Mioko-Koanga, could take place. Was it a great opportunity? , and the cruelty with which they endured enslavement on plantations.
Another option, of course, is Village Romeo and Juliet, an opera that Opera North had in its repertoire many years ago. This short piano concerto is not Delius' masterpiece. Born in 1897 with three movements, it was reduced to one movement in 1907. After all, Delius was a violinist, not a pianist.
The rarity of its performance will no doubt appeal to Delius aficionados, but compared to the great Delius festivals that once took place in Bradford, this is a stingy sample of the great Bradford composer.
Dr. Paul Seeley. Retired pianist and former piano teacher at Bradford Grammar School
