Professor Nicholas Childs has revealed to 4BR that the forthcoming Black Dyke 160th anniversary concert at Huddersfield Town Hall is set to feature the world premiere of a major new work from the pen of their Creative Chair, Peter Graham.

Symphony

Entitled, 'A Symphony of Scarlet & Gold' it will be the musical centerpiece of the event which takes place at the famous hall on the afternoon of the Sunday 12th July.

He told 4BR: "Peter brings an amazing ability to reach into the musical heart of Black Dyke — and this work is simply remarkable. It's an amazing celebration of the band's heritage, but also an exciting pathway to show our future aspirations."

Musical core

Peter himself added: "The 160th Anniversary Concert will be an occasion to savour. I'm honoured to have been invited write 'Symphony of Scarlet & Gold', which is defined in this instance as "a harmonious combination of elements"- something that has been the musical core of Black Dyke ever since it was formed."

He continued: "The four movements can be seen as a celebration of the band's heritage whilst also acknowledging the incredible achievements of the current ensemble."

Personal

Peter also revealed that the piece has a personal element to it as well. "At times it is also my own nostalgic reflection,"he said, reflecting on his own experiences of listening to the some of the most famous names ever to wear the iconic Queensbury uniform colours.

"I first heard the band live when I was 13 and still clearly recall the impact made by James Shepherd, John Clough and Frank Berry. In recognition part of the second movement, 'Legacy', will pay tribute to these legendary soloists.

The piece will also reference the band's contest winning performances, including my own work 'The Torchbearer' and 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', as well as providing the opportunity to feature the band's current stable of great soloists."

The four movements can be seen as a celebration of the band's heritage whilst also acknowledging the incredible achievements of the current ensemblePeter Graham

Commission

David Allen, Chairman of the Black Dyke Board of Trustees added: "We are all excited by the anniversary and would like to acknowledge the support of Brass Bands England in the commissioning of 'Symphony of Scarlet & Gold', which was awarded to Black Dyke after the Nationals victory in 2014."

Other items on the first half include solos from Richard Marshall and Gary Curtin with the close to the first half being Black Dyke's 2015 European winning own-choice showpiece, 'Metropolis 1927'.

Tickets are available from Huddersfield Town Hall Box Office 01484 223200
or https://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk