A Sandbach man has spearheaded a project fusing together the world-famous Foden's Band and one of Britain's leading composers.

Ken Talbot is secretary of the Malcolm Arnold Society, an organisation set up to commemorate and celebrate the Oscar-winning composer's work and life.

Sir Malcolm had a long and distguished career. (Photo: Nub News)

Sir Malcolm was from Northampton and had a successful career with the London Philharmonic Orchestra before making his name as a composer for film scores, including for the "Bridge on the River Kwai" for which he won an Oscar.

Now Sandbach's Foden's Band is about to release a CD of some of Sir Malcolm's work, 'Malcolm Arnold – Music for bass band, featuring Foden's Band and Chetham's School of Music's choir.

Some of the tracks were recorded in Sandbach at Sandbach School but the final one, 'Song of Freedom' is being recorded later this month (April).

The CD won't be released until July, but Ken is busy publicising the collection of music and getting ready to hear the last song to be recorded.

Ken Talbot is thrilled with the CD recorded with Foden's.

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"I'm utterly thrilled with the project. Most of the tracks have never been recorded like this before and it's a good mix of music," said Ken.

"The society hasn't done anything like this before and we're delighted with the result. We've got followers from all over the world from America to Malaysia, Australia and Germany."

Ken, who moved to Sandbach in 2013 with his wife, is a big brass band fan and loves listening to music.

"Some people would describe me as an audiophile because I love listening to music, primarily classical and opera," he said.

The front cover of the new CD. (Image: Malcolm Arnold Society)

"Brass band music is also a great favourite of mine but frankly I am happy to listen to most genres. This love of music has also led me to become the secretary of the Malcolm Arnold Society."

Celebrated British chef and restaurateur. Rick Stein CBE is one of the society's patrons saying: "Malcolm, as far as I'm concerned, was a genius."

As well as working on the CD and helping to run the society, Ken also gets involved with organising and running the society's annual festival held every year in Northampton, attracting fans from all over the world.

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"He was such an amazing composer," said Ken. "His music follows all kinds of genres."

So diverse was Sir Malcolm's work it even included a link with the heavy rock group, Deep Purple when he conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra playing a concerto composed by Jon Lord at the Royal Albert Hall.

Foden's Band recording some of the CD at Sandbach School. (Photo: Ken Talbot)

Sir Malcolm sadly died aged 84 in 2006 but his music and memories live on thanks to the Malcolm Arnold Society whose website is here

Pre-ordered copies of the Foden's CD can ordered here

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