There was contesting disappointment for Derwent Brass before a note was blown at the recent Bolsover Festival of Brass, as the band was forced to withdraw due to the ill health of one of its star players.

First time

It’s the first time in their history that Derwent has had to withdraw from a contest, and it was especially unfortunate as they are celebrating their 20th anniversary by performing a specially commissioned entertainment work by composer Paul McGhee.

Unfortunate

Band spokesperson Chris Leonard told 4BR: "Following the success of the new work at the Wychavon Contest, where Paul had flown back from his premiere in Norway to present the performance, this would have been another chance for us to showcase contemporary music making.

Unfortunately our solo euphonium player was taken ill and couldn’t play. With one section of the six movement work being a very specific and challenging euphonium solo, it was impossible to get a dep in at such short notice.”

With one section of the six movement work being a very specific and challenging euphonium solo, it was impossible to get a dep in at such short noticeDerwent Brass

Proud

He added: "We are very proud of this new work. As a result we would only want to publicly perform it when full justice can be done to the music and where the integrity of Paul’s challenging standard can be maintained. With the loss of such an important solo player we just couldn't perform it."