Kenneth Hesketh's Rumpole and Father Christmas is a ten-minute work for narrator and orchestra that gives new life to John Mortimer's heart-warming seasonal tale.  It's a witty setting that brings grouchy, fictional barrister, Horace Rumpole, lumbering into the concert hall. 

Soprano Lesley Garrett premieres the work (there are versions for male and female narrator), giving six performances with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Ian Tracey on 17 December in Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.  More info on the "Spirit of Christmas" concerts here.

Rumpole and Father Christmas is available to other orchestras from 2011. To view the score click here.