Author Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn has hit just the right note to celebrate the publication of her gripping new novel ‘The Piano Player’s Son’.

Lindsay is continuing the musical leitmotiv by striking up a creative partnership as a writer in residence with the nationally acclaimed English Symphony Orchestra (ESO).

“Music, and the piano in particular, play a significant role in my book. Music is a passion of mine and I’m excited to be working as a writer with the impressive ESO.

“I hope the experience will be creatively enriching for both of us,” says the Evesham-based writer who also teaches creative writing in Malvern and Evesham and is a member of the a cappella chorus Vale Connection.

“The ESO enjoys embracing new challenges and we celebrate all creativity. We are very pleased to have Lindsay adding her literary to our musical talent,” says chief executive Peter Sheeran.

Lindsay has already polished up seven flash fiction stories based on the characters being brought to life in the ESO’s ground-breaking productions of ‘Noyes Fludde’, to mark the centenary of composer Benjamin Britten.

The concerts will ring out at Gloucester Cathedral on October 19 and 20 and Worcester Cathedral on October 26. That’s perfect timing for the official launch of ‘The Piano Player’s Son’ at Worcester’s St Swithuns Institute on October 25, accompanied, naturally, by a pianist, and featuring poetic duo Amy Rainbow and Gary Longden and music from Slowtrain.

The book, about a family shattered by a death and a devastating secret, is Lindsay’s second novel and was selected for publication by Cinnamon Press after winning its nationwide novel competition.

Her first, ‘Unravelling’, was also a winner, including the Chapter One Promotions Book Award and the Wishing Shelf Independent Book Award.

Lindsay has enjoyed writing about Noah’s lot for the ESO productions, in which hundreds of children from seven primary schools across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire will take starring roles. A selection of youngsters will be playing alongside the ESO.

The concerts will also feature the Gloucester Academy of Music, choristers from Gloucester Cathedral and pupils from the Elgar School of Music

The set builders have the challenge of constructing an ark in the two cathedrals, but Lindsay’s stories, which have been shared with the schools and are being given pride of place on the ESO website, are proving a welcome diversion for everyone.

“I’ve very much enjoyed being inspired by Noah and his crew and the orchestra and the music,” says Lindsay.

The ESO, whose new Artistic Conductor is the American Kenneth Woods, is a favourite at many leading festivals across the UK and is renowned for its trail-blazing, including performing in care homes and hospices. It has also just helped to launch a world first in Worcester - The Film Orchestra.

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• ‘The Piano Player’s Son’ is available mid-October from Cinnamon Press, from Amazon, and from all good bookshops, including Blandford Books in Broadway, which also stocks ‘Unravelling’.