The Middleton Band will celebrate 140 years of music making with an exciting international collaboration with the Neo Brass Band from Japan.

Formed in 2012, the British style band attracts members from all over the country. They will be shortly flying over 5800 miles to the UK for a tour which will incorporate the concert with Middleton on 9th July at Heywood Civic Centre.

Musical connection

The exciting worldwide musical connection comes through former Middleton player and Neo Brass founder, Hiroe Tada, who played cornet with the band whilst studying for a Masters degree at Salford University.

The link has been further maintained by euphonium player Mayo Aita who joined the band in September, whilst Neo Brass has previously visited the UK to perform at the Whit Friday marches as well as welcoming players such as Iain Culross and Natsumi Inaba to work with them in their homeland.

Perseverance

A Middleton spokesperson told 4BR: "This ambitious collaboration will also feature the first live performance of 'Perseverance', a specially commissioned work by composer Andrew Baker to celebrate our 140th anniversary.

It takes its inspiration from both the original name of the band and also the sheer determination over the years to keep making music despite the odds. It will also be the title track of our forthcoming CD release."

The exciting worldwide musical connection comes through former Middleton player and Neo Brass founder, Hiroe Tada, who played cornet with the band whilst studying for a Masters degree at Salford University4BR

Flute and drum

Middleton Band was originally formed in 1876, when they purchased a one key flute and a drum to establish the Middleton Perseverance Drum & Pipe Band — although over the years they have also enjoyed considerable brass band success, including a brace of National Championship wins in the Third and Second Sections.

The 140th celebrations will culminate at Middleton Arena on 1st October, where they will hold a celebratory reunion event for all members and associates past and present.