*
banner

Earhart story set to take flight

The pioneering spirit of renowned aviatrix Amelia Earhart lives on in an exciting transatlantic musical project.

Amilia Erahart
 

A year-long collaborative project based on the story of aviatrix Amelia Earhart's famous transatlantic voyage is taking flight this week for Welsh composer Tom Davoren.

The first in a string of international premieres of 'Stillness', a new large scale work drawing on the story of Earhart's surprise landing in the West Wales town of Burry Port during her 1928 expedition, will be given by the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra, in Saskatoon, Canada, on Friday 21st November.

Take off

Taking off from Newfoundland, Earhart and her crew (comprising fellow pilot Wilmer Stultz and engineer Louis Gordon) intended to finish their journey at Southampton.

However, Burry Port Harbour would prove to become a safe haven for the daring American from Kansas (above), when late in the expedition poor visibility and terrible weather resulted in her missing an emergency stopping point of Valentia in Ireland along the way.

Stillness

'Stillness', is the title taken from a quote in the 'Llanelli Star' newspaper printed on Earhart's surprise arrival, with the work drawing together ensembles from locations and organisations with key connections to the story for performances throughout 2015 and 2016 in North America and the UK.

The world premiere will be given the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra; where Tom will attend rehearsals this week, as well as delivering a talk in the department of music and visiting the burgeoning local banding scene in the city headed by former Grimethorpe percussionist Will Martin.

Thrilled

Dr. Darrin Oehlerking from the University of Saskatchewan told 4BR: "We are thrilled to be involved with this musical project.

The ensemble is committed to performing new and innovative compositions and to be a part of such a unique international collaboration is a true honour."

Home town

A further performance will also be given in Earhart's home city of Kansas by the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, followed by performances in the UK at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

It then returns to New York for a performance by the Montclair State University Wind Symphony, before making another trans-Atlantic crossing in September 2016 in a brass band version performed by Burry Port Town, who will be directed by Dr. Darrin Oehlerking from the University of Saskatchewan at the very location where Earhart made her landing.

This project has been a wonderful opportunity to connect the local history of Burry Port to the rest of the world through a truly inspiring story of courage and endeavourComposer, Tom Davoren

Wonderful opportunity

Tom Davoren told 4BR: "This project has been a wonderful opportunity to connect the local history of Burry Port to the rest of the world through a truly inspiring story of courage and endeavour.

I'm also very grateful that we are able to retell the Earhart story through the generous support of Dr. Darrin Oehlerking (University of Saskatchewan), who will visit us in Wales in 2016, Dr. Paul Popiel (University of Kansas), Dr, Thomas McCauley (Montclair State University), Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs (Central Band of the Royal Air Force) and Graham Howe, and all at Burry Port Band."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Desford Band

Rankings update: October

October 31 • Desford storm back into top ten as five-way battle for world number one goes down to the wire


Tivoli

Final countdown for Dutch National Championships

October 31 • 4BR will be heading to Utrecht to bring live comments on the Dutch National Championships.


siddis

Wobplay to broadcast SIDDIS entertainment

October 31 • Norwegian bands are putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of their entertainment challenges in Stavanger this weekend.


Yorkshire Youth Band

Yorkshire Youth gets anniversary boost

October 30 • The Yorkshire Youth Band will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a concert appearance at the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Drighlington Band

October 30 • Drighlington Band are looking for the following players for a full compliment: . . - Front Row Cornet . - Euph or Baritone or Trombone (we are flexible!) . - Percussion (Kit or tuned)


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd