Simon Parkin arranges track on record-breaking album

Simon Parkin, Deputy Head of Undergraduate Studies, has arranged five tracks on Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s record-breaking album.

Hitting the top of the Classical Charts earlier this month, Elgar has subsequently entered the Official Album Charts at No 8, making the 2016 BBC Young Musician-winner the first cellist to reach the top 10 of a UK album chart.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studies and released on Decca, the album features the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Simon Rattle.

Rebecca Allen, President of Decca Records, said: ‘What an incredible way to begin the new decade! Sheku’s unrivalled success as a young artist shows how classical music can reach people all over the world.He is a credit to his family and teachers, and I’m thrilled that Decca is fortunate to represent him.’

Simon Parkin studied at the Yehudi Menhuin School and RNCM, on the Joint Course (piano and composition) with the University of Manchester. In addition to his role at the College, he is Manchester Camerata’s Arranger in Residence and Director of Concerts at Manchester Midday Concerts Society.

Full tracklist for Elgar:

Traditional Blow The Wind Southerly
Edward Elgar ‘Nimrod’ from Enigma Variations*
Edward Elgar Cello Concerto In E Minor’
Edward Elgar Romance In D minor*
Frank Bridge Spring Song*
Traditional Scarborough Fair* (with Plinio Fernandes)
Ernest Bloch Prélude
Ernest Bloch Prayer (with Braimah Kanneh-Mason)
Gabriel Fauré Élégie In C Minor*
Julius Klengel Hymnus for 12 Cellos

*New arrangement by Simon Parkin

24 January 2020