Newly crowned Butlins Mineworkers Champion, Virtuosi GUS recently performed at a charity concert on behalf of the Hunts Masons in the wonderful setting of Peterborough Cathedral.

Jubilee

Close to 1000 people packed into pews to be treated to a varied and challenging programme which made full use of the fantastic acoustic, with the band’s 80th anniversary celebrations marked with a timely reprise of Philip Sparke’s ‘Jubilee Overture’, originally written for their 50th birthday celebrations.

The band featured many of its star soloists, including the Pete Collins and James Fountain in the trumpet duet ‘Jealousy’, which formed part of their Mineworker’s winning programme, and ended the first half in appropriate fashion with Mark Freeh’s arrangement of Bach’s ‘Toccata in D Minor’.

Bagpipes

In the second half the band also provided accompaniment to the talented soprano vocalist Denise Leigh, as well as being joined by trombone star Andrew Berryman who enthralled the audience with a superb rendition of ‘Concertino — Opus 4’ by Ferdinand David – and twin encores on the bagpipes of ‘Highland Cathedral’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ resplendent in full Highland regalia.

Virtuosi GUS are now looking to reclaim the Midlands Area title and will be showcasing their final preparations with an open rehearsal...4BR

Open rehearsal

Virtuosi GUS are now looking to reclaim the Midlands Area title and will be showcasing their final preparations with an open rehearsal on ‘Harmony Music’ on Thursday 7th March at the Corby Business Academy Theatre, starting at 7.45pm.