William Walton - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Orb and Sceptre (Kazuki Yamada)

Information

Composer: William Walton

• Orb and Sceptre "Coronation March"
• Symphony No. 1
• Symphony No. 2

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Kazuki Yamada, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Deutsche Grammophon (DG)

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For his first recording with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Kazuki Yamada chose a program devoted to three works by William Walton, highlighting the strong connection between English music and an English orchestra. The recording features Walton’s two symphonies, which reflect different stages of his career: the powerful First Symphony of 1935 and the more reflective Second Symphony written twenty-five years later and dedicated to Georg Szell. Initially known for his avant-garde tendencies, Walton gradually aligned himself with the English tradition associated with Elgar and Vaughan Williams. This reputation led to prestigious commissions, including the march Orb and Sceptre for the coronation of Elizabeth II.

Kazuki Yamada (born 26 January 1979) is a Japanese conductor known for his dynamic leadership and growing international presence. Born in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, he studied percussion and conducting at the Tokyo University of the Arts under Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi and Yoko Matsuo. While still a student, he founded the TOMATO Philharmonic Orchestra, later renamed the Yokohama Sinfonietta. Yamada gained international recognition after winning first prize at the 2009 Besançon International Conducting Competition. He has since held major positions with ensembles including the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, where he serves as music director. In 2026, he will also become chief conductor of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin.

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