A NEW work by distinguished composer Arthur Butterworth receives its world premiere on Saturday (March 1, 7.30pm).

The Northern Chamber Orchestra performs the piece in the magnificent setting of Christ Church, in Skipton, Arthur’s home town.

Entitled Elegy for Diana, the work represents a personal tribute by Arthur to his wife, who died last year, and will be performed by the NCO as part of its Vivaldi and Spring Classics concert.

The NCO has enjoyed a long association with Arthur, having performed many of his acclaimed compositions over the years.

Arthur was born in Manchester in 1923. He began his career initially as a professional trumpeter, working with the Scottish Orchestra (now the Royal National Scottish Opera) and then the Hallé, under Sir John Barbirolli. He was 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 band. Now in his nineties, Arthur is still adding to his impressive canon of works.

NCO’s artistic director Nicholas Ward said the orchestra was delighted to have been given the exciting opportunity to premiere Arthur’s poignant new work. He added: “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.”

Meanwhile, Arthur, MBE, explained: “Way back in 1957, the Halle gave the première 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.”

Tickets from the NCO box office on 0161-247-2220 or in person from Skipton Visitor Information Centre.