Composer Philip Sparke is to write a new piece to celebrate British Bandsman’s 125th anniversary at a special concert later this year.

Bandsman's Overture

The work, entitled 'A Bandsman’s Overture', will receive its world première at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Sunday 1st July, performed by the new European Champion, Black Dyke under Dr. Nicholas Childs.

BB Editor, Kenneth Crookston told 4BR: "Our anniversary concert already promised to be a memorable event, but the inclusion of a brand new work by arguably the most popular brass band composer of the past 30 or so years is a real coup. I'm delighted that this new work will open the second half of our concert."

I was delighted to be asked to write a piece for this historic occasion and to celebrate the anniversary of a magazine which, more than anything else, symbolises the history of our great movementPhilip Sparke

Bonus

Philip Sparke is also looking forward to hearing his new work too: "I was delighted to be asked to write a piece for this historic occasion and to celebrate the anniversary of a magazine which, more than anything else, symbolises the history of our great movement. A première by Black Dyke is, of course, a bonus!"

He added: "The overture is celebratory in tone, and I have tried to make it both forward and backward-looking to capture this sense of history. So it reflects 21st century brass band music as well as paying homage, in terms of form, to our great banding heritage."

McMillan and Renton

The internationally renowned multi instrumentalist, James Morrison, will also feature at the event, which will include a performance by the star of BBC Radio 3’s 'The Verb', Ian McMillan.

Kenneth Crookston also revealed that the presenter of BBC Radio 2’s Listen to the Band, Frank Renton, will be the compére, commenting:

"A special event like BB125 needs a very special presenter and there can be none better than Frank Renton. His unique presentation skills enhance every occasion at which he appears and we are sure that BB’s 125th Anniversary Concert will be no exception."