‘Bellwether ’ is a term most often used today to describe predictable indicators of social or economic trends, yet has its origin in shepherding, as the name given to the leading sheep of a flock. There is no single leading idea or protagonist here, however. Rather, the music ambles through moments of naiveté and pastoral grandeur, with occasional factions within the orchestra seeking to persuade the sound towards new, ever-shifting vistas.

Premiered by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Clark Rundell at Symphony Hall, Birmingham 29 January 2023.