Johan De Meij is recognised throughout the world as one of Europe'92s leading composers. Working between his homes in Amsterdam and New York he recently completed the latest addition to the euphonium repertoire '96 a work which he'92s initially scored for both wind band and brass band entitled UFO Concerto.

The composer commented, '93UFO Concerto, my first solo work for euphonium is not a traditional concerto in the classical sense. It consists of five movements that are thematically related to one another'94.

I Andante '96 Con moto
II Giocoso '96 Vivo
III Andante cantabile
IV Vivace
V Alla Marcia '96 Vivace

'93The opening chord may sound familiar to some listeners: This chord and the first theme are based on the same five-note chord used in '91Extreme Makeover'92 and '91Planet Earth'92 in 2005: a major triad with an added 4th and a 7th. This chord has been obsessively present in my head ever since -- I could not resist using it again! Both the chord as well as the main theme make appearances in various shapes and forms throughout the entire piece.'94

Jason Ham, solo-euphonium player with the West Point Band (USA), initiated the consortium to commission UFO Concerto and invited British virtuoso David Childs to join the consortium. It is David, together with the Cory Band, conducted by Robert Childs who will give the world premiere of UFO Concerto in its brass band form on January 29th, 2012 at the RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester (UK).

Jason Ham, himself an outstanding euphonium soloist will give the first performance of the Wind Band version on February 15th, 2012 in Baltimore (MD) with the Peabody Wind Ensemble, conducted by Harlan Parker.

David Childs commented, '93I am delighted Johan has finally written for the euphonium. He is a composer I'92ve admired for a long time and since visiting New York back in 2010 he'92s also become a good friend. On behalf of the euphonium community I'92d like to publicly thank and congratulate Jason Ham for bringing this commission together. I consider it a great honour to be giving the work its first outing, but it is of course Jason'92s Concerto and I'92m looking forward to hearing him and many others perform it in the future.'94


Johan De Meij (centre) together with David & Jason Ham