The Blackley Band recently decided to make their first visit to the French Open Championship a memorable weekend.

New commissions

Three pieces of music were specially commissioned for their assault on the Third Section contest — 'A New Horizon' by Dan Price, 'House of Shadows' (La Casa de Sombras) by Andrea Crossley and 'Storm' by Lucy Pankhurst.

Tour de force

The composer (Dan Price) felt that ‘A New Horizon’ was an appropriate title for a new contesting venture for the band, whilst 'House of Shadows' was a euphonium solo written by Andrea Crossley with the band's Andrew Griffiths specifically in mind.

Finally, 'Storm' – a real tour de force depicted an emotional storm, demonstrating anger and passion in the outer sections but also tenderness and sensitivity during the reflective middle movement.

Three pieces of music were specially commissioned for their assault on the Third Section contest4BR

Knight Templar

For the March contest, Blackley chose to play the Whit Friday classic 'Knight Templar'.

Blackley, conducted by Adrian Smith, were overjoyed at the evening Gala Concert on Saturday, to be proclaimed winners of the Third Section.