The first in the complete Walton symphonic cycle to appear on Naxos. It features the most exciting young British conductor, Paul Daniel, who has just been named in the prestigious position of Musical Director of English National Opera.

It also introduces to the label the 'young' English Northern Philharmonia. Formed eighteen years ago, it has now established itself as one of the finest orchestras in Europe, its virtuosity bringing unlimited praise for their brilliant concert performances.

The series of recordings is presented with the assistance of the Walton Trust, and this disc features one of Scandinavia's most talked about musicians, the great Lars Anders Tomter, in Walton's gorgeous Viola Concerto.

This quite spectacular recording captures the multitude of orchestral colours in the effervescent Johannesburg Festival Overtures and the Second Symphony.