This set presents the premiere recordings of double concertos by two senior and much respected English composers. Sir John Manduell contributes two brilliant pieces for soloists with string orchestra and percussion, while the perhaps better known (intenrationally) Gordon Crosse came out of " retirement" in 2009 to compose his three works, and has since been inspired to take up composition again with a vigor. These are all important works for the modern string orchestra and are fronted by soloists of high caliber, all of whom are orchestral principals or esteemed chamber players.