World Premiere of Liverpool Composer’s Music Celebrates the Dawn of the Railway
A new piece of music celebrates the beginning of work, exactly 200 years ago, on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The premiere of “Dawn of the Iron Road 1826” will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, 18th September 2026, at The Tung Auditorium in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre in Liverpool.
Well known broadcaster Roger Phillips will be the compère for this unforgettable journey, which includes the specially commissioned piece of music from young Liverpool composer Matt Holroyd. There will be railway poetry from Alison Schultz and historic speeches and insights from Dr David Gwyn, author of The Coming of the Railway. Railway themed music will be performed by Heswall Concert Band, one of Merseyside’s most engaging wind bands, musical director Greg Williams.
Work began in 1826 in Crown Street, just round the corner from The Tung Auditorium. This world changing project was built with pickaxes, wheelbarrows and the occasional bit of gunpowder. Completed in 1830, it was the first inter-city rail link in the world.
Composer Matt Holroyd said, “It has been a privilege to compose this piece interweaving the sounds of the construction of the railway with its historical context and story.”
Musical Director Greg Williams said, “Matt has really caught the pioneering spirit of this great event with emotion and sensitivity. We can’t wait to perform it.”
This musical commission has been kindly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund/Rocket: All Aboard, and sponsored by Greengauge 21 and the Night Shift Jazz Collective.
Heswall Concert Band is a friendly and inclusive wind band bringing together musicians aged sixteen to seventy-plus. This concert is part of the band’s 30th anniversary celebrations and promises to be a festive and uplifting experience for all. For further information, please visit https://www.heswallconcertband.co.uk/home
It will take place in the Tung Auditorium in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, University of Liverpool L7 3NY.
Tickets will be on sale shortly via the Tung Auditorium website.
