Centenary Firedances
Taking inspiration from the music of the much loved and missed Birmingham-born Andrew Downes, the Centenary Firedances were written to celebrate the centenary of Birmingham being granted city status in 1889. I was privileged to have known Andrew and have played many of Andrew’s works, including the Centenary Firedances with Central England Ensemble, the orchestra founded by Anna, Andrew’s daughter. You can listen to each of the movements by clicking on the links below.
Taking inspiration from the music of the much loved and missed Birmingham-born Andrew Downes, the Centenary Firedances were written to celebrate the centenary of Birmingham being granted city status in 1889. I was privileged to have known Andrew and have played many of Andrew’s works, including the Centenary Firedances with Central England Ensemble, the orchestra founded by Anna, Andrew’s daughter. You can listen to each of the movements by clicking on the links below.
Taking inspiration from the music of the much loved and missed Birmingham-born Andrew Downes, the Centenary Firedances were written to celebrate the centenary of Birmingham being granted city status in 1889. I was privileged to have known Andrew and have played many of Andrew’s works, including the Centenary Firedances with Central England Ensemble, the orchestra founded by Anna, Andrew’s daughter. You can listen to each of the movements by clicking on the links below.
Carded Batts
The fibre used for the batts is 100% British Shetland wool top, which is hand dyed and then blended using a drum carder. The batts are available as either 100% pure Shetland wool or Shetland wool with added recycled sari silk and Angelina sparkle for added luxury. Each batt weighs 100g.
Combed top
The Shetland combed top comprises approx. 100g of Pure British Shetland wool, which is dyed to Oeko-Tex 100 standard and complies with EN71-3:2019. It is custom blended at a family-run British spinning mill in Yorkshire.
Both the batts and top are suitable for spinning or felting.
The Centenary Firedances are made up of five movements:
AC Ride - This colourway is red, gold, green and black, inspired by the colours of the Rastafarian flag with a bold black contrast to make the colours pop. Listen to this movement here
Sea of Flowers - A pastle rainbow, inspired by the flower beds of the city’s parks. Listen to this movement here
Irish Dance - Orange, cream, green and brown, inspired by the colour of the Irish flag complemented with earthy brown. Listen to this movement here
Gentle Rain - Blue, cream, brown and grey, evoking the rain forming puddles on the sandstone flags in Victoria Square outside the Council House. Listen to this movement here
Fire Ride - Reds, oranges and yellows, the flaming colours of the vibrant finale. Listen to this movement here