There was the sound of a brass band to be heard in the heart of Germany recently, as the magnificent Roman Catholic Basilika of St. Emmeram in Regensburg hosted a rather unique concert (above)

Phenomenon

Brass Band Regensburg is fast becoming something of a local musical phenomenon and now attracts large and appreciative audiences at each of its performances, as a spokesperson told 4BR: "Brass band music is a medium that excites the soul and arouses emotions.

We are very proud of the band and the progress it is making and it was wonderful to hear such music played so well at the beautiful church."

Tradition

The performance celebrated the tradition of opening the doors to all the churches in the town on one specific night so that people can walk from one to another to enjoy secular or religious music performances.

The event now attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the world, with the band attracting perhaps the biggest audience of all — packed six deep at the back of the Church — thanks to a programme that included Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Home of Legends', 'Ancient Monuments', 'Share my Yoke', 'Lord Tullamore' and 'The Smile' amongst others under the direction of conductor's Christine Hartman and Dave Lea, MD of Jaguar Land Rover Band.

The town was alive with music all day and the concert capped it all off — especially as so many people wanted to come and show their appreciation of their local brass bandDave Lea

Standing ovation

The highlight though was a very moving performance of 'Irish Blessing' that brought the whole audience to its feet to give a prolonged standing ovation.

Dave Lea told 4BR: "It was a wonderful evening of music making that crossed so many boundaries.

The town was alive with music all day and the concert capped it all off — especially as so many people wanted to come and show their appreciation of their local brass band."