Brass in Concert 2024 Programmes Announced

A Preview of the 2024 Brass in Concert Programmes

Eleven bands will be taking to the stage at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead this Saturday 16th November 2024. This is my first time attending Brass in Concert and what a line up of exciting performances await - I can't quite articulate how excited I am!

Let's take a look at what's in store from each competing band!

The Cooperation Band

It's yet to be discovered what the theme of the Cooperation Band's Brass in Concert set is. With pieces covering a giant yeti, love, cowboys and bouncing at 3am, it's sure to be an interesting one! It'll be exciting to see how these pieces link together.

The Cory Band

Saddle up your horses and get ready for a rootin', tootin' good time! The theme of Cory's set for Brass in Concert 2024 is 'The Magnificent Seven' - yee hawwww! The theme from this classic western is one of my favourite pieces of music, so I'm excited to see The Cory Band bring this story to life. The only question is, who will come out on top - the cowboys or the bandits?

The GUS Band

Now, this month will see the story of the Wicked Witch of the West arrive on screen in the movie version of Wicked. Similarly, The Gus Band are taking us over the rainbow with their Wizard of Oz-themed programme. With a set of all new music composed by Christopher Bond, I'm looking forward to this musical adventure to the Emerald City.

Tredegar Town Band

The inimitable Richard Evans is a banding legend who's legacy will live on thanks to his remarkable musical success and unforgettable charisma. Tredegar Band's programme pays homage to Mr Evans in their 'A Bow to the Boss' set. Having had the pleasure to know Mr Evans and had the honour of playing at his funeral, I know I'm probably going to need tissues for this one, but I am beyond excited for this programme.

Krohnengen Brass Band

Another programme that takes the audience on an adventure is from Krohnengen Band from Norway. 'Deception Island - Frozen in Time' is a suite of four pieces composed by Magnus Brandseth. The suite depicts the scenery and history of Deception Island, an active volcanic islands found in Antarctica's South Shetland Islands. It sounds like a thrilling adventure - I hope penguins feature!

Brighouse and Rastrick Band

Brighouse and Rastrick Band and their conductor Professor David King have been keeping their programme under wraps until the day before the contest. The audience will be transported back to the golden era of the silent movie and the 1920 classic, The Mark of Zorro. This swashbuckling adventure comes from the pen of Peter Graham, so it's sure to be one that impresses.

The Hammonds Band

Andrew Lloyd Webber is known for his popular musicals, such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Cats, Evita and The Phantom of the Opera. In addition to his musicals, Andrew has also penned a few concept albums, the most famous of them going on to become the world-renowned musical, Jesus's Christ Superstar.

In 1978, Andrew created the classical/rock fusion album entitled 'Variations', which draws inspiration from A Minor Caprice by Paganini. This has been adapted for brass band by Sandy Smith for Hammonds' performance and having had a listen to the original this week, my intrigued is definitely piqued!

Flowers Band

Joysticks at the ready, the newly-crowned National Champions, Flowers Band, are taking us behind the console on an exploration of the evolution of video games. The band's programme will take the audience from the pixilated worlds of retro arcade games to the immersive VR technology of today. Featuring 5 new works from the pens of Lucy Pankhurst, Daniel Hall, Thibaut Bruniaux, Stijn Aertgeerts and Dan Price, there's going to be exciting on many levels. Game on!

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band

Things are about to get frosty when Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band take to the stage with their programme. With original music from Jack Capstaff and featuring animation from Charlotte Capstaff, their programme tells the story of Hans Christian Anderson' 'The Snow Queen'. It's a multi-media extravaganza with Danish narrator, Kirsten Lindhardt Withington. It sounds like it's going to be beautiful experience. I was going to make a Frozen reference, but I've decided to let it go...

Foden's Band

The Sandbach-based band are looking for a knock-out performance with their tribute to Muhammad Ali. Their programme entitled 'Cassius - Rumble in the Jungle', soundtracks the story of the legendary boxer, the struggles he faced and his rise to become one of the most successful boxers of all time. With music from Jonathan Bates, Will Savage and John Barber, it's a heavyweight programme for sure.

Aldbourne Band

Finally, the last performance of the day is from the Aldbourne Band. Their programme takes inspiration from the fictional board game, Jumanji which was the subject of the 90s classic film of the same name starring Robin Williams. With compositions from Daniel Hall, it's a programme filled with mystery conducted by Katrina Marzella-Wheeler.

Well it's sure to be an incredible day of music and I'm so excited to see what's in store. Be sure to follow It's Not a Trumpet on social media to keep updated on the action at Brass in Concert.