Music written to introduce the spectacular highlight of Coventry’s Millennium Eve celebrations will be performed for the first time in public at Coventry Cathedral today.

The five-minute piece of organ, written by Coventry composer Derek Nisbet, will be used on the night as an introduction to the tightrope walk performed by Ramon Kelvink between the two spires of Holy Trinity and St Michaels, Coventry’s ruined cathedral.

Ramon Kelvink said:

"At first I was not sure how the classical piece would fit in the with the spectacle, but now having met the composer and heard the music in the cathedral I am sure it will work well. It’s inspiring – a beautiful piece, full of ritual and symbolism, which will call people to the spectacle."

The high-wire walk, more than 40 metres above the ground, is the centrepiece of more than 12 hours of live music and entertainment, organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Promotions and the City Centre Company, Coventry, and supported by a grant from the Millennium Commission and sponsorship from Brose UK, Jaguar and ntl.

It fulfils a long-held challenge. Back in 1884 the great tightrope walker Charles Blondin wanted to walk between the spires, but was turned down by the city authorities.

Now the church authorities have agreed to an event that is not just a thrilling spectacle, but is also potent with Millennial symbolism. Coventry’s ruined cathedral, blitzed in 1940, is now a symbol of peace and reconciliation, known around the world. And the city itself has been Britain in the 20^th century, reflecting in microcosm all the great national themes of the century.