Brass Band heart beats in Rochdale

Circle of life

Rochdale Heartbeat held their annual brass band concert on Saturday 14 September to celebrate their 25 year anniversary.

Held at the Gracie Fields theatre, the event offered the audience a variety of music from Verdi to James Bond and Elgar to The Simpsons.

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West performed alongside the Rochdale Girls Choir for the celebration concert.

Alan Smart, Band Manager, said: “It’s a real privilege for the band to perform in Rochdale, birthplace of the Co-operative Movement.

"We formally became The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West in April 2011, and were a Co-operative band for over 50 years prior to that.

"The Gracie Fields Theatre is a great venue, and lovers of brass bands and great music are sure to be entertained whilst supporting very worthwhile cause.”

The band’s Musical Director, Jef Sparkes, said: “The programme features rousing, beautiful, funny, moving, showy and patriotic pieces."

Principal Euphonium, Emily Braverman, played Philip Sparke’s lyrical and demanding ‘Pantomime’, whilst Principal Cornet Mike Jones performed ‘Charivari’, a Latin Fantasy by John Iveson requiring great technique and artistry.

The concert has followed prior celebrations for the 25 year anniversary of Rochdale Heartbeat, who help support the Coronary Care Unit of at Rochdale Infirmary.