Return to Middle Earth | Fernleigh Wind Ensemble | Newcastle Music Festival

In their first festival performance, the newly formed Fernleigh Wind Ensemble will bring Johan de Meij's new symphony to Newcastle. After 30 years, composer Johan de Meij revisits Middle-Earth, the enchanting mythological world of J.R.R. Tolkien, with his Symphony No. 5 Return to Middle Earth. Although there are some thematic reminiscences of his monumental first symphony, The Lord of the Rings from 1988, De Meij puts a completely different musical vibe into this new symphony. There is an important role for a solo soprano and a mixed choir: they sing in Ilkorin, one of the Elvish languages of Middle-Earth. The ensemble welcomes Sara Carvalho as soloist in this great new work. Program: Johann de Meij Symphony No 5 'Return to Middle Earth' for Wind Orchestra, Soprano Soloist and Choir Images: Fernleigh Ensemble - Lauren Moulton/Dru Maher-Brooks | J.R.R. Tolkein, courtesy of the Tolkein Gateway