The reigning British Open Champion, Tredegar, has announced the programme for the concert to be presented by British Bandsman magazine on the eve of the band’s title defence in Birmingham.

Concert

The event, which will take place in the Adrian Boult Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire on Friday 5th September, will be the first hosted by British Bandsman since its 125th anniversary concert in 2012.

Whet appetites

Editor Kenneth Crookston commented to 4BR: "Knowing that brass band enthusiasts will be travelling from all over the world for the British Open, we would like to give them something to really whet their appetites without taking over their entire pre-contest evening."

He added: "In choosing a programme that is both challenging and entertaining, Tredegar and Ian Porthouse have already shown great commitment to this event, so I’m sure it will be a memorable concert by a band that has been at the absolutely the top of its game in the last year or more.

We also expect to finish the concert soon after 9.30pm to allow everyone a chance to carry on enjoying the rest of Friday night."

Showcase

Tredegar’s Musical Director Ian Porthouse was also looking forward to showcasing his band’s talents — and giving the audience a chance to catch a preview of the eagerly anticipated set work ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’ by Alexander Comitas.

"With so many visitors in Birmingham for the ‘Open’, we think it’s very important to present a balance of substantial original repertoire as well as something a bit lighter for people to enjoy before the big event.

In the first half we will present a new opener from emerging composer Daniel Hall, as well as Wilfred Heaton’s timeless classic ‘Toccata — Oh the Blessed Lord’, our percussion soloist Gavin Pritchard and the British Open test piece, ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’, which will give those unfamiliar with this superb work an opportunity to hear it in advance of the contest."

Lighter fayre

Ian added: "The second half will be much lighter fayre — featuring soloists Dewi Griffiths and Matthew White, as well as some great arrangements by Jacob Vilhelm Larsen and Dean Jones’ exciting ‘Glorifico Aeternum’ — and a couple of surprises or two as well."

Tredegar’s Musical Director Ian Porthouse was also looking forward to showcasing his band’s talents — and giving the audience a chance to catch a preview of the eagerly anticipated set work ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’4BR

Tickets:

Tickets (priced £14.95) for the concert, which will take place at the Adrian Boult Hall of Birmingham Conservatoire at 7.30pm on Friday 5th September, are available now from:

www.birmingham-box.co.uk/event/tredegar-town-band-in-concert/ or by calling the Box Office on 0121 245 4455.