London Second Section National Finalists Becontree Brass is teaming up with virtuoso pianist Sebastian Grand for a innovative concert bringing to life two rarely heard brass band transcriptions.

Concerto and Rhapsody

The dup will perform Grieg’s 'Piano Concerto' and Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody in Blue' this weekend.

Sebastian, currently a Masters student at the Royal Academy of Music, is no stranger to the repertoire having given performances of both works with orchestras. However, this is his first experience playing with a brass band.

I’m really looking forward to bringing this great music to an audience in a different waySebastian Grand

Chuckle

Sebastian told 4BR: "When we first discussed the idea, I have to admit I had a chuckle to myself and didn’t expect it to work, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the versatility and musicality of the band. I’m really looking forward to bringing this great music to an audience in a different way."

Originally hoping to feature Dr. Denis Wright’s famous arrangement of the Grieg, the band had some trouble in sourcing the music, only to discover after much searching, that former Becontree MD and Principal Trombone of the LSO, Dudley Bright, has also transcribed the popular concerto.

Musical gems

Becontree MD Adam Cooke added: "Having searched high and low for the Wright arrangement, it was a stroke of unbelievable luck to discover that Dudley had a great transcription for band. This, along with Keith Wilkinson’s fantastic arrangement of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, make a pair of musical gems in the brass band repertoire with piano."