Presented by Brass Down Under
Reviewed 7 August 2013
I like brass, but have never been a follower of Brass Bands, so I had no idea that I was going to see Brass royalty! This band has won many of the top competitions: World Music Contest Champions 2009-2012, European Champions 1980, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, Brass in Concert Champions 2008, 2012 and the list goes on!
Presented by Brass Down Under and supported by Besson (the makers of fine brass instruments) this was a concert that was well worth seeing (and hearing) but was woefully under supported. Our magnificent Festival Theatre, which was the ideal venue for this band, was less than one quarter full. However the audience, though small, was very appreciative.
Each member of this ensemble is a star in his or her own right. Based in South Wales they are proud of their Welsh heritage, although they have members from outside the area. The Musical Director, Philip Harper, is also the conductor and he is an entertaining front man who conducts with all of his body and infects the audience with his enthusiasm and love of the music.
Some of the soloists were superb, Steve Stewart (soprano cornet) was featured in “Live and Let Die”, Tom Hutchinson (cornet) was hot in “Tico Tico”, Helen Williams (flugel) was pure sweetness in “Valley Song” and Chris Thomas, playing “Blue Bells of Scotland” can almost make a trombone talk! Even the non-brass soloist, Max Ireland (xylophone) was mesmerising. The repertoire was impressive, from the beautiful traditional “Myfanwy” to the modern arrangement of “Men of Harlech”. It included a very stirring version of “Superman”, “The Road to Gundagai”, and a new composition just for Australia called “Dreamtime”.
These magnificent musicians are still touring Australia for a week or so. If you are interstate and see them advertised, go listen, you won’t regret it.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 7 August 2013
Duration: 2hrs
Photo Credit: Goldy Solutions
More News
