British composer Nigel Hess has written some of the most performed music for symphonic wind band of recent years, many of which are gathered together in performances by The London Symphonic Wind Orchestra on "The Winds of Power" CD, a Chandos release.  His latest work, Shakespeare Pictures, reworks some of his outstanding scores composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company during his period as their House Composer.  

Next month sees Shakespeare Pictures performed by Birmingham Symphonic Winds (who commissioned the work) and Keith Allen in their home town (9 April), and then in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York (17 April).

Also, newly available in print is a wind band arrangement of Hess's A Christmas Overture, a sure-fire favourite for festive programmes.