'Written for the opening of the new Dutch Parliament building and performed in the presence of Queen Beatrix, it is interesting to note that MacGowan was named after the lead singer of The Pogues, an Irish punk-folk band. Ayres says, When I heard of MacGowan's forced departure from the band due to illness I was so shocked that I wanted to dedicate this piece to him. The music sounds like a lamentation and that is what is intended. Given the characteristic sounds of the bagpipes, the Celtic harp and the antiquated style of violin playing, the piece contains every possible parallel with folk music.'
Saskia Tornqvist