The critically-acclaimed Northern Chamber Orchestra will give a world premiere performance of a new work by Embsay composer, conductor and musician Arthur Butterworth next Saturday, March 1.

The piece, Elegy to Diana, will be included as part of the orchestra’s Vivaldi and Spring Classics concert at Christ Church, Skipton.

Arthur has had a long association with the NCO – which has performed several of his pieces over the years – and his latest work represents a personal tribute to his late wife, Diana, who died last year.

Now 90, Arthur began his distinguished career as a professional trumpeter, working with the Scottish Orchestra (now the Royal National Scottish Opera) and then the Hallé, under Sir John Barbirolli.

He then became the permanent conductor of the Huddersfield Philharmonic Society for 30 years, while also appearing as guest conductor with many other orchestras, especially the BBC Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish and BBC Concert Orchestras.

As a composer, he has written more than 150 works, including large-scale orchestral pieces, intimate chamber and instrumental works and a significant body of writing for brass bands.

“Way back in 1957, when the Hallé gave the premiere of the First Symphony at the Cheltenham Festival, effectively launching my career as a composer, I dedicated the symphony to my young wife, Diana. It now seems fitting that I pay this farewell tribute to her at the end of our long life together,” said Arthur.

Nicholas Ward, NCO’s artistic director said the orchestra was delighted to have the opportunity to premiere Arthur’s poignant new work in his home town.

“The NCO always enjoys playing his music and it’s fantastic that local people, several of whom know Arthur, will have the first chance to hear this piece performed,” he added.

The programme will also feature Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Corelli’s Baroque Concerto Grosso, Opus 6, no 3, Mendelssohn’s String Symphony no 1, Delius’s Aquarelles, Grainger’s Irish-reel-inspired Molly on the Shore and a piece created with Skipton Music Centre Junior Wind Ensemble.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the NCO box office on 0161 247 2220 and from Skipton Tourist Information Centre. They are priced £15 for adults, £7 for students and the unwaged and free for 18s and under.