The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra presents its first recording led by Kazuki Yamada who took the helm as music director in 2023, continuing the work of such eminent predecessors as Sir Simon Rattle, Sakari Oramo, Andris Nelsons, and Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla. The rogram, recorded live at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, showcases three works by William Walton: the Coronation March Orb and Sceptre and the composer’s two symphonies. The choice of an English composer for their first recording together seemed appropriate to Yamada. Orb and Sceptre was written in 1953 for the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the centenary of whose birth will be marked in 2026. Walton’s First Symphony (1932-35) poses a raft of challenges to the performers, with its energy, passion, and intensity. “It’s a little bit like surfing!”, says Yamada. “If you catch the waves of excitement, the piece goes well.” Written 25 years later, the Second Symphony is equally inventive, but more introspective in feel. It is of course the work of an older, more experienced composer, and its music emerged from a post-war world. As Yamada notes, “there is a feeling of peace – but is it real?”