York Railway Institute Band has announced that Composer in Residence Peter Byrom-Smith has written a new work for the band to premiere in concert later this month.

Totally different

Peter’s (above) first composition for York was written as part of a community project to establish a wild flower meadow as an act of remembrance for those who suffered through the Great War, and he has followed this with his new work — although in a totally different inspirational vein — entitled, ‘Concert Fantasy’.

Overwhelmed

He told 4BR: “I was overwhelmed by the band’s musicianship when they performed my piece, ‘Poppies of the Field’ and this in turn inspired me to write this new piece for them, as I’ve been well and truly drawn into the world of brass band music.”

As a classical composer, writing for brass band has been a steep learning curve, but one I have enjoyed the challenge ofPeter Byrom-Smith

Learning curve

He added: “’Concert Fantasy’ is a concerto for three solo instruments; cornet, trombone and euphonium, plus brass band. The piece starts and ends fast and rhythmic, with a slow central section where the trio of soloists show both their musical grace and expression.

The work is intended to show the power and beauty of solo brass in conversation with a whole band. As a classical composer, writing for brass band has been a steep learning curve, but one I have enjoyed the challenge of.”