*
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    


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Linz

European Soloist Competition open for entries

September 10 • If you want to be crowned the 10th European Solo Champion then you need to submit a video entry to be considered for the trip to Linz in 2026.


Youth Champs

Registration now open for Youth Championships

September 10 • If you are a band or ensemble wishing to take part in a fantastic day of music making in Birmingham next year, then sign up now.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd