Milnrow band supports national brass players

The intimate and plush surroundings of the Rodewald Hall in the Martin Harris Centre at Manchester University was an ideal venue in which to showcase the talents of the talented young people of the National Youth Brass Band, supported to great effect by the Co-operative Milnrow Band under Musical Director John Ward.

The band opened the proceedings with the Overture 'Henry V' by Ralph Vaughn Williams, who died 50 years ago this year.

John Ward then introduced the first of the evening's soloists, 18 year old Andrew Moore. Andrew was this year's principal horn player of the National Youth Brass Band and is currently a member of the horn section of the famous Leyland Band. His rendition of Peter Graham`s 'Episode for Horn' was a delight to the ears.

The second 18-year old to take the stage was Matthew White.A former finalist of BBC Young Brass Musician of the Year, he is also a member of Leyland Band.

His playing of his chosen item 'Michelangelo' showed just how a euphonium can sound, especially in the hands of such a young artiste. Matthew`s second offering, Peter Graham`s 'Bravura', was equally as enthralling.

19-year old Mark Harrison, soprano cornet player with the Fairey Band, was introduced and he captivated the audience with his playing of the theme music from the James Bond film 'Live and Let Die' and later in the evening showed lovely control with his version of 'Silver Threads Amongst the Gold'.

Throughout the evening sympathetic accompaniment to the soloists was supplied by the Milnrow band, which also played several items from its extensive concert repertoire, including, 'Turris Fortissima' (Stephen Ponsford), 'Olympic Fanfare and Theme' (John Williams), Film Music from 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone' and 'Breezing down Broadway'. Brand new offerings were entitled 'Lament' and 'Little Hymn'.

In recognition of Remembrance Weekend, Andrew Moore`s second item was the beautifully played 'Nocturno' and a member of the band, Nicola Murray, gave a reading of 'Ave Verum'.

A great evening of musical entertainment was concluded with the band playing 'Little Fugue' in G minor.