And we’re off. This morning I heard from Wallace Galbraith, and here are the answers to my questions:

• around 70 players – 56 violins, 6 cellos, 2 basses, 1 accordion, 3 guitars, 1 percussionist and 1 pipe
• 4-5 minutes
• “it would be interesting and challenging for us to play music with its roots in your part of the world – please feel totally free to let your imagination roam!” [Uh-oh. Do we need to discuss this?]
• “a deadline – it would be useful to be able to start work before Easter 2011 so let’s say the beginning of March”

Let the agony begin.