CD REVIEW -
NICHOLAS MICHAEL SMITH
THE GIRL FROM THE FRENCH FORT
NEW MUSIC PLAYERS GERRY CORNELIUS, COND.
NARRATED BY TIM BENTINCK • NIKI YAN
métier mex 77142 [65:57]

This is very much a left field release sent me that will interest anyone who appreciates Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, with which it is often programmed. It is a narrated orchestral work based on a children's story by celebrated Chinese author Hong Ying.

Sharing the reading is the actor who since 1982 has been David Archer in 'The Archers' and, on the second half of the disc, in Chinese by the actress Niki Yan. It would be interesting to know if any of our readers understand that language.

Nicholas Michael Smith OBE (b 1967) is an English conductor, composer and music educator who has been living in China for many years, and as well as orchestral music has written an opera, choral, vocal, solo and chamber instrumental pieces.

The 31-strong New Music Players were founded in 1990 by Bristol-born composer and artistic director Ed Hughes. They are conducted here by Gerry Cornelius, of Irish and Sri Lankan parentage, a past Head of Music and Associate Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

The story – translated into English by Adam Williams and Nicholas Smith – is a tad sad at times but has a happy ending. And the well-played accompanying score recorded at Smith Square Hall in London is appropriate sounding. A glossy 30-page illustrated booklet completes a fascinating issue. It is available to buy on the Divine Art Recordings Group website.

© Peter Burt, March 2026