Gant's British Symphony

[Marcus]

I recently came across an interesting article in the Birmingham Post web-site dated 4/8/2008:
Gant's British Symphony finally gets debut airing :
Apparently at the supposed premiere in early 2007, the audience had assembled for the concert by the Brighton Philharmonic, and were surprised to be treated to a brief speech by the conductor Barry Wordsworth, former musical director Birmingham Royal Ballet, announcing that the advertsied premiere of Andrew Gant's A British Symphony would not be taking place because he had decided that "he did not believe in the work".
What made this more remarkable was that Rodney Atkinson, (brother of comedian Rowan) who had commissioned the symphony was in the audience with a party of 20 guests.
The good news is that the symphony recieved its premiere in August 2008.
The newspaper report mentioned that the symphony's main themes were provided by 10 folksongs over a 35 minute four movement span. The spirit of Vaughan Williams haunts the music.
Has anyone heard this work, or know why the original premiere was such a farce ?
Marcus.

[Amphissa]

 
Marcus, can you tell me the city/orchestra/conductor of the premier? And do you know the date?

[Marcus]

The article from the Birmingham Post (4/808), stated that the premiere was to take place (tonight), 4th August 2008 - the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Adrian Lucas. The comments regarding the symphony were quoted from a discussion with the composer.
Marcus.