The defending British Open champion Foden’s has already started to look forward to their trip to Symphony Hall in Birmingham to defend the title won in thrilling fashion last year under MD Russell Gray.

The 12 months following the victory has been a memorable one for the Sandbach ensemble both on and off the contest stage. 

This has included becoming the world’s number 1 ranked band and gaining victory at the Brass in Concert Championship, as well as seeing the release of a critically acclaimed CD featuring the music of Malcolm Arnold.

Most recently though they enjoyed a pioneering trip to South Korea to perform at the 29th Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival.

Ready for the off...

24 hours of travel

Thankfully, the lingering effects of 24 hours and 5718 miles of accumulated return trip air and bus travel have now worn off, as the players have started to tackle the musical journey back in time to the construction of Stonehenge and Jan Van der Roost’s British Open test-piece, ‘The Lost Circle’.

However, the memories of the trip are still fresh in the mind as band member Mark Bousie told 4BR in recalling the many highlights of an event that has a global reputation.

“The festival has welcomed many renowned soloists and ensembles since it was first held, so it was a great honour for the band to be invited to perform this year,”  Mark said.

“Cory Band made a huge impression on their appearance in 2022, one that really paved the way for our invitation which came from trumpet star Jens Lindemann, the Artistic Director this year.”

The inclusion of British style brass bands at the festival has been greatly aided by the links created by the performers who have taken part in the various solo and ensemble competitions

Championing brass bands

He added: “The inclusion of British style brass bands at the festival has been greatly aided by the links created by the performers who have taken part in the various solo and ensemble competitions. That's also been enhanced by former Artist Director Steven Mead , and this year, Jens Lindemann who we have enjoyed working with on a number of occasions.”

The band played at a number of outstanding venues

Heat and humidity

The band left on August 7th for the arduous trip to Jeju, which is located on South Korea’s largest island in the waters of the Korean Straight.    

After a day of acclimatising to the humid subtropical heat and humidity, their first performance came at the opening concert of the International Festival which took place in the stunning auditorium of the Jeju Arts Centre.

The concert was also recorded by the national television network to be transmitted at a later date. 

Foden’s appeared alongside the Jeju Wind Orchestra, the Barcelona Clarinet Players and the Jeju Union Male Chorus in front of a terrifically enthusiastic audience of around 1000 people – with each piece drawing what Mark described was “an incredible reaction.”

The concert was also recorded by the national television network to be transmitted at a later date. 

In performance mode

Esprit de corps...

Led by Michael Fowles the band also accompanied Jens Lindemann in a performance of William Himes’ beautiful setting of ‘Amazing Grace’,  whilst to the delight of the audience they also included some K-Pop hits too.

Reflecting on their performances together Jens posted on the band’s Facebook page: “There is a reason that this band has been ranked #1 in the world…. there is a tremendous esprit de corps…

There is a reason that this band has been ranked #1 in the world…. there is a tremendous esprit de corps…

Start by making it about the hang because when you spend real time together, you truly learn to respect each other’s differences, and then the desire to play as a unit is far more compelling.”

Early prep for the Stonehenge inspired 'Lost Circle'

Set the standard

Mark added: “It was a fantastic way to start the trip and set the standard for everything that followed. The warm weather also mirrored the warmth of the rection the band received, with everyone wishing to help in every way - even down to moving our music stands a few inches for us on stage.  We were treated with huge respect and friendliness.”

Subsequent concerts over the next three days were held at the Seogwipo Arts Centre (on the south coast of the island) and the Jeju Culture & Arts Centre, as well as the beautiful outdoor venue of the Jeju Seaside Concert Hall. 

“It was incredible to see the investment made in the arts and music here. Jeju is an island about the size of our home country of Cheshire, yet music plays an integral part of their outlook.”

“It was incredible to see the investment made in the arts and music here. Jeju is an island about the size of our home country of Cheshire, yet music plays an integral part of their outlook.”

Featured soloists during performances in Jeju were Richard Poole (soprano), Mark Wilkinson (cornet), Melanie Whyle (flugel), Jonathan Bates (horn), John Barber (trombone) and Gary Curtin (euphonium) – all of whom gained hundreds of new fans.

Health and safety or course...

Impact

“You cannot over estimate the impact that a brass band can make on tours such as this,”  Mark said.  “It meant a great deal to the players to be treated with such a professional respect.”

“It is a such a beautiful, fascinating country. We immersed ourselves in everything we could.

Despite the busy schedule there was time for Michael Fowles and the players to enjoy themselves away from the concert stage, with trips to the many amazing places on the island - including beaches, caves, waterfalls and museums.

“It is a such a beautiful, fascinating country. We immersed ourselves in everything we could. The cuisine was equally incredible – and not just the popular fried chicken and tasty Korean lager."

Esprit de corps...

Incredible trip

He concluded: "Looking back, it was an incredible trip to a fantastic country, welcomed by wonderful people who appreciated our great music making. 

That is what the very best brass band tours are all about and we remain very grateful to have bene given the opportunity to be part of it.”

Since their return the band has been inundated with messages of goodwill and support, with the hope that they will return to Jeju again in the future.

Iwan Fox
with thanks to Mark Bousie and Foden's Band