The combined forces of Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band, The Band of The Prince of Wales's Division, and The Band of Royal Corps of Signals will be joined together in Birmingham on Friday night to round off a special musical initiative between the three organisations.

Of Men and Mountains

Entitled, ‘Of Men and Mountains’, the link between the three bands forms part of what is hoped to become a long term musical connection which will be of mutual benefit to all concerned — and is further enhanced by the guest appearance as soloist by Roger Webster.

Roger will perform Elgar Howarth’s ‘Concerto for Trumpet’ before joining up with Izzy Rutherford on flugel horn in ‘Phigga’, a quirky jazz duet by the Russian horn virtuoso Arkaday Schilkloper.

Resurgam and Spectrum

The programme also includes Eric Ball’s ‘Resurgam’ and Gilbert Vinter’s iconic ‘Spectrum’ before the evening is rounded off with Edward Gregson’s imposing ‘Of Men and Mountains’.

That sense of co-operation is certainly shown by the sharing of the conducting duties on the night — with Ian Porthouse, Captain Paul Collis-Smith and Captain Stewart Halliday all taking up the baton.

Link

The musical link between the three organisations has been strengthened during the week with Conservatoire students enjoying rehearsing with Roger, as well as spending a day at RAF Cosford preparing the joint items with the two professional British Army Brass Bands.

Huge benefit

Ian Porthouse told 4BR that the concert will provide a fitting climax to what has been a hugely beneficial initiative.

“For the students to be able to perform alongside professional musicians of the calibre found in both Army brass bands has been a huge benefit, and the icing was certainly put on the cake with Roger — who has been such an inspiration.”

He added: “We hope to be able to build on this exciting connection, and my special thanks go to both Captain Paul Collis-Smith and Captain Stewart Halliday for the welcome and the superbly professional way in which they have worked with us.”

For the students to be able to perform alongside professional musicians of the calibre found in both Army brass bands has been a huge benefit, and the icing was certainly put on the cake with RogerIan Porthouse

Time and place

The concert takes place in Adrian Boult Hall at the Conservatoire this Friday at 6.00pm.

Tickets are available on the door, £6.50 and £4.00

For more details: www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire, contact 0121 3315901