Nigel Hess's new CD release "New London Pictures" has been Classic FM's Album of the Week over the last few days.  John Suchet has broadcast a track in his show for each of the past five mornings.  The Chandos disc (Volume 2 of their Hess Symphonic Wind Orchestra series) is packed full of premiere recordings of Hess's infectiously tuneful music for wind band, in terrific performances by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force under the composer's baton.

The tracklisting includes premiere recordings of New London Pictures, The Lochnagar Suite, Shakespeare Pictures as well as first recordings of new band arrangements of his much-loved orchestral pieces Ladies in Lavender and A Christmas Overture.  More about the disc here.  And there's a promotional video here.  All the works on the album are available on sale from Faber Music Ltd at our online store.

In what is a busy week for Hess, the outstanding RAF Central Band also launch a brand-new commission today (Friday 17 May), marking the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raids.  March Barnes Wallis is to be premiered at RAF Biggin Hill this evening and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 as part of "Friday Night Is Music Night."  The RAF Central Band will tour the work around the UK later this year, and will release it on CD at that time.  Read more about the BBC celebrations here.