Mike Batt: Symphony No 1 “Ukraine” The London Symphony Orchestra are on the top of their game as they perform this vibrant new symphony from Mike Batt, the first of several forthcoming classically-driven pieces by the composer. This is the accessible, melodic face of modern classics, motivated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, but it can be heard without that connection being made.

In turns violent, sweet, brutal and romantic, Batt’s score will resonate with a wide audience. It is not background or minimalistic in nature. It is not academically constructed, but written from the heart by a veteran orchestral composer who has felt the urge to express himself powerfully. The 37-minute symphony is in four movements, and the PR campaign will begin with short, bite-sized clips on social media, leading to a fuller campaign as the release date approaches. Batt will appear on a succession of radio and TV for interviews supporting the release, under the stewardship of Republic Media. The sessions with the LSO (conducted by the composer) were recorded on video and will feature a full-length YouTube video, along with other visual content.

Mike Batt is a singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, record producer, director, and conductor. He served as the Deputy Chairman of the British Phonographic Industry. Batt created the novelty pop band The Wombles, after recording the theme song for the animated BBC series of the same name. He also composed the song "Bright Eyes" for the 1978 animated film Watership Down. Batt promoted the early career of singer Katie Melua after signing her to his label, Dramatico. He wrote, arranged and produced her debut album Call Off the Search and her following two albums. Batt has conducted the London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony and Stuttgart Philharmonic.