Benches: 18 pieces for orchestra 7, 6 + 5

Tony Banks, who became known for his role as keyboardist for the rock band Genesis and as a solo artist, has always been fascinated by the idea of writing orchestral music. His success in composing for film led to the acclaimed “Seven - A Suite for Orchestra”. The intense orchestral soundscapes in “Seven”, “Six” and “Five” are among Banks’ most successful recordings. They combine experimentation with form and structure with a distinctive melodic character that powerfully conveys both melancholy and joy.

Tony Banks is a founding member of Genesis, together with his Charterhouse schoolmates Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel and Anthony Phillips. The band evolved with the addition of Phil Collins and Steve Hackett. In the early 1970s, Genesis became one of the leading exponents of progressive rock music and, after Gabriel’s departure, developed into one of the most commercially successful bands of the 1980s and 1990s. Throughout his career, Tony Banks has developed many unique keyboard and synthesizer sounds. Music historian Wayne Studer described him as “the most tasteful keyboard player in prog rock”.

These recordings have always been praised for their eloquent and stylish orchestration and the opulent performances by world-class soloists, including Tony Banks himself, who plays piano and celeste in “Five”, alongside renowned musicians from the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Czech National Symphony Choir and Orchestra and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.