A SPECIALLY written piece by York composer Peter Byrom-Smith will be performed at tonight's inaugural York Culture Awards ceremony.

Pianist Adam Parrish, a York St John University graduate, will play the work, Within These Walls, which was commissioned from Peter by the chairman of the judging panel, Professor Chris Bailey, of York St John University. Joining Adam will be bass player Chris Bush, guitarist Mickey Moran and drummer Nick Upton.

“'It was a pleasure to be asked to write a piece of music for the first York Culture Awards," says Peter. "Born in this city, too many years ago than I like to think, composing has led me to work all over the world, where my music has been performed, recorded and broadcast.

"However, York is still my birthplace, so having a work performed here is pretty cool, to say the least.” 

Within These Walls originally was written for a traditional classical ensemble, but Peter decided it would be more exciting and appropriate if he re-scored it for a prog rock band.

"Doing so, I think, highlights what the essence of these awards are about:  culture for and by everyone," says Peter.

"So changing from one genre to another seems an ideal way of sharing my personal thoughts about the music and arts within these ancient city walls, while at the same time showing how all the varied musical input of the city is also making a more modern stylistic statement of intent for the future.

"I'm really sorry I cannot be there tonight, but hope everyone has a wonderful evening and they enjoy my work.”