How times have changed. Recent generations of composers have turned away from atonal astringencies and are actually communicating with concertgoers again. This was certainly the case with the main item on last night’s programme by the enterprising Orchestra of the Square Chapel. Already notable for unusual repertoire it now had a world premiere to offer.
This was the “Concerto for Flute” by the Cheshire composer David Golightly and while it was an undoubted challenge for soloist, orchestra and for conductor Lawrence Killian, it presented the audience with no barrier to enjoyment.

Not that the concerto was a piece of easy listening. Its three, ambitious movements had material that ranged from spiky, modern rhythms to plangent passages based on ancient modalities.

The composer was aiming at and frequently achieved a spiritual dimension, especially in the slow central movement. Elsewhere the orchestra was used to provide a pulsating rhythmic platform for the solo flute’s leaping phrases.

The final movement was tantamount to a concerto grosso for flute and tuned percussion. In this the excellent performance throughout by flautist Stuart Coldwell was matched by fine playing on vibraphone and xylophone by Graham Butcher and Ronan McKee.

Not only was the concerto a premiere, it was, the composer informed us, the first time an established English orchestra had played any of his original music.

William Marshall Halifax Evening Chronicle