A new composition for tuba and brass band, ‘Mists on the River Wear’, by Dan Price was premiered last weekend by Joe Cook, principal tuba of Black Dyke.

High profile

The high profile performance formed part of the 2011 Bury St Edmonds Festival 2011, and saw Joe accompanied by Black Dyke under the direction of Dr Nicholas Childs.

Exciting

Joe told 4BR: "Dan is an exciting composer who’s making a huge impact on the brass band music scene, so when he accepted my invitation to write a piece for tuba I was very excited."

He added: "From the initial stages we have worked together closely to try and come up with something that will please audiences and musicians alike, and the feedback from the concert was very positive."

I felt Joe’s delivery of the solo was beautifully lyrical and articulate and I feel sure it will feature regularly in his repertoire. I couldn’t have asked for a better premiere performanceDan Price

Composer present

The composer was present at the premiere and added: "It’s always a pleasure writing for a player of the calibre of Joe, particularly when they are being accompanied by a band like Black Dyke."

Dan added: "I felt Joe’s delivery of the solo was beautifully lyrical and articulate and I feel sure it will feature regularly in his repertoire. I couldn’t have asked for a better premiere performance."

Original premiere

Originally scored for tuba and piano, the work received its initial premiere by Joe and the composer’s wife, Andrea Price (percussionist at Black Dyke and also a distinguished composer), on piano, as part of the 2010 Black Dyke Festival.