Final preparations are being made for BB125 — the British Bandsman 125th Anniversary Concert being held at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Sunday, 1st July, at 3.00pm.

Ambitious

Speaking to 4BR, Bandsman Editor, Kenny Crookston, commented: "This is one of the most ambitious projects in which British Bandsman has ever been involved and we are tremendously excited by it.

He added: "With Black Dyke on arguably its most outstanding form in years, those attending can be assured of one of the most memorable concerts ever."

Guests

Featuring as the guest soloist with Black Dyke is James Morrison — the 'Wizard of Oz' — who will be introducing some new repertoire to the UK audience.

Also joining him will be Ian McMillan — the 'Bard of Barnsley' and star of BBC Radio 3's The Verb — who will feature in Philip Wilby's poetic masterpiece — 'Brass!' He will be accompanied by Tony Husband, the leading newspaper illustrator.

Great entertainment

Kenny Crookston continued: "Our guest performers are leaders in their field and promise great entertainment for the Symphony Hall audience."

New compositions

Perhaps of most interest to brass band aficionados though, will be the two world premières.

Kenny added: "Philip Sparke was commissioned to write a new concert work, 'A Bandsman's Overture', that should whet the pallet for the entertainment ahead.

We are also honoured that composer James MacMillan will be present to hear the first performance of his first major work for brass band — 'Canite Tuba', which was commissioned by Black Dyke Band."

Our guest performers are leaders in their field and promise great entertainment for the Symphony Hall audienceBritish Bandsman Editor, Kenneth Crookston

Finale

He concluded: "Frank Renton will be the master of ceremonies, so it promises to be an entertaining afternoon all round. I'm especially looking forward to hearing Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom', which was chosen by the readers of British Bandsman as the finale to the concert. The opening piece should be very special too!"

Tickets

A limited number of tickets for BB 125 are still on sale at Symphony Hall Box Office on: 0121 345 0600
or online at http://www.thsh.co.uk/event/black-dyke-band-12/

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