A recording of music that celebrates the Isle of Man is to sold on a CD.

’Five Manx Romances’ was written by renowned composer Martin Ellerby to mark the Isle of Man Wind Orchestra’s 20th anniversary.

The piece, played by students from the Royal Northern College of Music, was recorded in Manchester in the presence of Wind Orchestra musical director Paul Dunderdale and his wife Gill.

The RNCM students were conducted by Dr Jeff Mathews, associate professor of music at the University of Louisiana, USA, a regular guest conductor with the college orchestra.

’It was a wonderful day watching our anniversary piece being played and recorded by stunningly brilliant players,’ Paul Dunderdale said. ’We were delighted and privileged to be invited.’

Five Manx Romances was commissioned by the Wind Orchestra with support from the Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust and had its world premiere at St Ninian’s Church in July this year, under Paul’s baton.

After being approached to write it, composer Martin Ellerby came to the island in 2017 and drew inspiration from the many cultural and historical landmarks he visited, such as Milner’s Tower, Laxey Wheel, and Tynwald Hill.

’I am a musician and an occasional composer,’ Mr Dunderdale said. ’When you see a composer of Martin’s stature come here and take inspiration from sites and places on the island and compose pieces of that virtuosity, well, it is just amazing and inspiring.’

The recording of Five Manx Romances will soon be published as a CD and made available to the public.

’We have provided the germ, the inspiration for a remarkable piece of music which will travel the world with the words Isle of Man Wind Orchestra and Manx stamped on it,’ Mr Dunderdale said.