Concerts
“A formidably gifted composer and conductor.” Guardian
As a composer and conductor, Carl Davis brought theatrical flair, emotional immediacy, and musical breadth to the concert hall. In 1991, as part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations, he collaborated with Sir Paul McCartney on Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, which premiered at Liverpool Cathedral under Carl’s baton before going on to performances around the world. A recording followed and became a major international success, confirming the work as one of the most high-profile achievements of his concert career.
Carl’s concert life was wide-ranging and distinctive. He first conducted the annual open-air Leeds Castle concert in 1983, returning for 24 years, and he also brought wit, warmth, and showmanship to more popular concert occasions, including Last Night of the Proms with Barry Humphries and Dame Edna Everage. Alongside these public performances, he continued to write substantial concert works, including a Clarinet Concerto, Fantasy for Flute, Strings and Harpsichord, A Circle of Stones, and many concert suites, vocal works, chamber works, and orchestral pieces.
Carl & Dame Edna by John Timbers
Carl Davis CBE conducting
In later years, Carl continued to create important new work. In 2011, at the request of Jonathan Aasgaard, principal cellist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, he composed Ballade for Cello and Orchestra. The following year saw the premiere of The Last Train to Tomorrow, his dramatic narrative for children’s choir, actors, and orchestra based on the story of the Kindertransport. The work was received with great acclaim, later receiving its London debut at the Roundhouse in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, before going on to performances in New York and at the Three Choirs Festival.
Whether writing for cathedral, concert hall, open-air stage, or children’s choir, Carl Davis brought the same gift for narrative, atmosphere, and emotional connection. His concert music reflects the full range of his artistry: generous, dramatic, deeply communicative, and written always with the audience in mind.
Listen on Spotify
Stream the official Carl Davis playlist.