Neil & Nigel during a recent recording session in Vienna

Nigel will write a large-scale symphony for conductor Neil Thomson and the critically acclaimed Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra (Brazil). The symphony’s premiere will take part in the second half of 2025, and the planned work will be entitled `Bruegel’ Symphony for Piccolo/Flute(s) and Orchestra. The soloist will be Jennifer Gunn, (Piccolo/Flute the Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Jennifer will play the Piccolo, Flute and Alto Flute and, as a soloist, will take on the same role with the Orchestra as the Viola in Berlioz’ symphony `Harold in Italy’. Nigel’s plan, is to base each movement of his symphony on one of Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s paintings. The culmination of this project will be to record `Bruegel’ for the Naxos label alongside two other orchestral works. `Bruegel’ will be Nigel’s s second major Naxos recording collaboration with Neil Thomson. 

Pieter Bruegel’s Battle between Carnival and Lent 1559

Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c.1525-1530 – 9 September 1569) was a Dutch/Flemish Renaissance painter sometimes referred to as `Peasant Bruegel’.