Francis Chagrin described himself as 'Romanian by birth, British by nationality and cosmopolitan by inclination'. A student of Paul Dukas and Nadia Boulanger, Chagrin wrote prolifically for films but composed for most genres. The two symphonies are among his most important orchestral works. Both are dramatic, even passionate-not least in the beautiful slow movements-and full of contrasts, both within and between movements. Undeservedly neglected, they reveal Chagrin's mastery of form and colour. Martyn Brabbins is Chief Conductor of the Nagoya Philharmonic, Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic and Music Director to the Huddersfield Choral Society. He was Artistic Director of the Cheltenham International Festival of Music from 2005 to 2007 and Associate Principal Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra from 1994 to 2005. He studied composition in London and conducting with Ilya Musin in Leningrad, winning first prize at the 1988 Leeds Competition. Since then Brabbins has become a frequent guest with leading orchestras across the globe. He is known for his affinity with music of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly British music. He has made around 120 recordings, has conducted hundreds of world premières and has close links with many of today's foremost composers.