A special performance by the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (CPSO) will finally take place after a four year wait. 

The CPSO will be joined by five percussionists from the Peterborough Centre for Young Musicians (PCYM) on Sunday, March 17 at Queen Katharine Academy Hall for an afternoon not to be missed.

Titled Apkallu: Protector, the performance is inspired by the beliefs of the ancient Assyrians and their protectors, the Apkallu.

Often depicted part-man, part-animal, the creatures are seen in exquisite and vivid carvings in the British Museum.

The performance was first developed in 2018 but delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

Deirdre Culloty, chair of CPSO, said: “It feels like this concert has been four years in the making as we had originally planned it before the Covid lockdown to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.

"So, we are delighted to come together now in 2024 and celebrate with this fantastic original score and accompanied by the future of music in Peterborough, with five young percussionists playing a wide range of percussion instruments, including singing bowls.”

Martin Bright, the composer, studied at the Royal College of Music in London, and has performed in the Albert Hall, St Paul’s cathedral and West End theatre productions, and currently teaches percussion in Peterborough.

He said: “It is fantastic that given all the setbacks the orchestra has kept this project alive and I can’t wait to hear the piece performed for the first time after first beginning to develop the work in 2018.

The students have really committed to this music and hearing it played by real people to an audience is going to be wonderful”.

As well as the special performance of Martin’s Apkallu Protector, the concert will also feature the works of Vaughan Williams and Edward Elgar.

Tickets for this concert are available now from the orchestra website. Tickets £14.00 – concessions £12.00. Under 18 tickets £5 only / Two under 18’s free when accompanied by an adult.