Tarka the Otter inspires a symphony

THE flow of water and its role in our culture and heritage has inspired composer Harry Williamson, son of the Tarka Otter author Henry Williamson, to co-write a unique symphony based on his father Henry's 1927 novel Tarka the Otter.

Harry Williamson scoring the symphony

Andy Bell, North Devon's Biosphere Reserve co-ordinator, said: "Rivers link the countryside to the coast and sea. The borders of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve are largely defined by river catchments and Harry's work reminds us of all the importance of water and its role in our culture and heritage. We hope that the Tarka symphony can be heard in the Biosphere Reserve in the very near future."

Extract from the Oboe Theme from Movement 1

Western Morning news article

BBC Spotlight coverage

BBC audio slideshow with Harry's music