I was pleased to receive the latest complimentary review from The Shropshire Review.  Fordante’s debut album ‘The Arrival’ was described as:

“Accessible, melodic and hugely enjoyable, the album is packed with rattling good tunes that can’t fail to satisfy…”

The Shropshire Review

More concert dates have been announced and Fordante have been asked to perform at The White Swan Hotel as part of the new Stratford-upon-Avon Fringe Festival on 11th June, Wem Town Hall on 17th July and shall also be at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms on 22nd October.

For a full list (so far) have a look on the Concerts page.

I’ve just been notified that the Classical Music magazine have reviewed Fordante’s album ‘The Arrival’ in the next issue.

“Well crafted and slickly played…”  Classical Music magazine

Seven concerts have been confirmed so far with several more to be announced shortly.  Further details can be found by clicking on the Concerts menu.

I’ve just received some great news that the UK Arts Council have agreed once again to help support our next rural tour.

Confirmation about the 10+ date tour will follow shortly.

Just received another charming album review that I thought I’d share.

‘when I heard “The Arrival” from Fordante, I just knew I had to include it as it’s a sheer delight…so expressive…passionate and moving… gets the emotions going’ – FATEA

I’ve just heard that The Music Critic has reviewed Fordante’s  album ‘The Arrival’ as:

‘Passionate and uplifting…faultless performance…an unexpectedly refreshing album that has broader appeal than its classical roots…A wonderful piece of work’- The Music Critic

What’s great to hear is that they’ve picked up on the fact that the album does have a broader appeal than it’s classical base.

I thought I’d update the feedback Fordante have had recently from our concerts up on the Feedback page.

At this moment in time I should be working on the music score for a corporate video but sometimes you just can’t get your head into the right gear for the relevant project.  So what started off as a piece of music supposedly written as the opening for this video has now turned into something far too filmic – but just right for Fordante.

It just made me realise how unpredictable the process of writing music really is.  Sure, you can keep working on ideas until you hit on the right note (ahem) but I think sometimes it’s great to let your mind wonder and see where you end up (when you’ve got the luxury of time that is).   Which made me think how unscientific this process is.  Or is it?  When writing music (or doing anything creative I guess) are we reacting to our immediate environment and influenced by our surroundings? On this cold Friday morning, the studio hasn’t warmed up and I’m starting to get fed up of looking out of my window at the frozen fields and snow covered hills and I’m sure it’s having some effect on what I’ve just composed.

Mind you though, in this case I’m glad it has.

All of the artwork has been completed and the CD has now been manufacturered and is making it’s way towards journalists and the press for their valuable feedback and opinion.

Below you can see the Fordante cover artwork.  I decided to get a cariacature artist involved rather than having the usual pose of everyone in front of their musical instruments and I’m impressed with what Mikey Ball (TheArtyOne) has done.  I wanted the cover to reflect a little of our style so I didn’t just want another posing photo of us all in front of the instruments – in fact you only have to look at most other classical CD to know what I mean!  And after all, some of our music is intentionally a little less high-brow than more conventional classical music so I quite liked this lighter approach.

Fordante - The Arrival CD Cover

After several years writing the music it’s great to have Fordante’s debut CD finally in my hand and ready to roll.