Jon Lord’s final studio work set for release

Music by classical rockstar Jon Lord, who died in July aged 71, is due to be released in October. The album will feature a new version of his Concerto for Group and Orchestra, played by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lord performed the piece more than 30 times on tour with Deep Purple. The first performance was in 1969 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Arnold.

Despite being the first example of rock music being combined with a full orchestra, the groundbreaking original score was lost after an early performance. It was recreated in 1999.

“It’s a marvellous and exciting prospect to have the definitive recording of the definitive score,” said Lord of the album.

The album will be released on 1 October.