Gaspard's Foxtrot

Gaspard’s Foxtrot by Jonathan Dove with a story by Zeb Soanes and illustrations by James Mayhew is a 30-minute Musical Tale for Narrator and Chamber Orchestra, scored for 2(1/2,Picc).1.2(1/2,BCl).1 – 2.1.1.0 – Timp.Perc – Hp – 2Vln.Vla.Vlc.DB.

Gaspard’s Foxtrot is one of a series of children’s books by Zeb Soanes, illustrated by James Mayhew about an urban fox called Gaspard who lives in London. In this Musical Tale Gaspard goes on an adventure taking a bus ride through London to see a concert in Hyde Park. Inspired by Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, the work uses the same combination of instruments, and uses instruments to represent particular characters.

It was commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra, Three Choirs Festival Association, Docklands Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The chamber orchestra version was first performed at the Three Choirs Festival on 29 July 2021 at the Rogers Theatre, Malvern by the Philharmonia Orchestra, Holly Mathieson (conductor) and Zeb Soanes (narrator).

The full score (EP 73478) is available for sale as part of the Peters Contemporary Library. The performance material can be hired.