'Not In Our Time' was commissioned by the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus to mark their Centenary in 2011. It takes the attack on the World Trade Centre as the focal point of a work that explores the theme of war declared in the name of religion - from the speeches of George Bush and Barack Obama to the 11th century texts of the First Crusade. This poignant juxtaposition of texts alongside the vast emotional range of the symphony orchestra gives voice to the complex questions that surround these events.

In the words of the composer, “perhaps it’s through poetry and song that we can look unflinchingly at this tragedy of our time and offer some hope of reconciliation for the next generation”.

Track Listing:
1. George W Bush [New York, 16th September 2001]
2. Adam Gadahn and Ayman Al-Zawahiri [Al Jazeera 2001]
3. Poem: “Not In Our Time” by H.D.[Hilda Doolittle]
4. Pope Urban II [Clermont 1095 AD]
5. Hymn: Vexilla Regis
6. Abul-Muzzafar Al-Abyurdi [1099 AD]
7. Fulcher of Chartres [12th century chronicler]
8. Hymn: Lucis Largitor Splendide
9. Tom Junod [New York, 2003]
10. Chorus: “How Long, O Lord?” [Book of Habbakuk: the Bible]
11. Poem fragment, “I do not know” [Anon, poet of Ma’arra 1098 AD]
12. Mohammed Ben Zeky [following re-capture of Jerusalem in 1187 AD]
13. Barack Hussain Obama [Cairo University 2009]

“Not In Our Time is a paean of and to hope, a proclamation of shared humanity and, above all, a great oratorio for the peacemakers. This is a serious piece, but infinitely rewarding. Frankly, the more people who listen to it, the better, happier and more at peace with itself the world will be.” - Michael McManus, Gramophone

“Fiercely paced and vividly dramatic, it’s a huge sing and a grateful one. Blackford has proceeded fearlessly, intuitively, but with confidence in his own craft. Which is considerable. Not In Our Time is a terrific piece whose textual content may cause choirs and audiences to think: is this for us? Emphatically it is.” - Michael White, The Telegraph