Press/Latest Reviews

"I wish someone would revive David Bruce's The Firework Maker's Daughter, based on a cracking Philip Pullman story, which combines elements of The Magic Flute and The Wizard of Oz. I took a seven year-old who loved the wild, Irish-jig stomps, while I was tickled by the allusions to Purcell, Stravinsky and Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries'. Perfect for pretentious grown-ups and wide-eyed tiddlers alike!"

British composer David Bruce – a favourite of the mandolinist – provides a jubilant highlight with his work Death Is A Friend of Ours, inspired by Sir Francis Bacon's quote "Death is a friend of ours; and he that is not prepared to entertain him is not at home".

a dazzling melange of dancing inspiration climaxing in a Rodrigo-like finale,

David Bruce's Death is a Friend of Ours ... despite its title, overflows with joy. Think the Mexican Day of the Dead.