Birmingham Conservatoire recently hosted another of its high profile innovative artistic collaborations, with its Symphonic Brass Ensemble and Brass Band joining forces with actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company for a welcome reprise of 'Henry V: A Shakespeare Scenario'.

Olivier

Originally written by composer William Walton for the famous 1943 film starting Laurence Olivier, it was subsequently arranged by Ted Watson to feature symphonic brass and brass band, and was last performed some years ago by Black Dyke, when Ian Porthouse, the Head of Brass Band Studies was principal cornet.

However, working together with RSC principal trumpet player Andrew Stone-Fewings, Ian and Ted were able to draw together the necessary musical and artistic forces to perform it in concert at the Sir Adrian Boult Hall, hosted by the Conservatoire's Principal, Julian Lloyd Webber.

International profile

He told 4BR: "The Conservatoire is committed to increasing its international profile with collaborations with world renowned artists and performers. This is something we will build on as the Conservatoire looks forward to the opening of its new home in the heart of Birmingham."

The evening's programme also included original works by Alwyn Green and Eric Ball, as well as arrangements of Prokofiev and Leppard featuring young Conservatoire soprano star Cecily Redman.

The Conservatoire is committed to increasing its international profile with collaborations with world renowned artists and performersJulian Lloyd Webber

Superb concert

Ted, Ian and Andrew were joined by Head of Brass Chris Houlding, RSC actors Katy Stephens and Jo Stone-Fewings and composer and former City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist Alwyn Green
to receive the post concert plaudits (above), with Ted telling 4BR — "It was wonderful to hear Walton's music and Shakespeare's words accompanied by brass once more. My congratulations go to everyone involved in what was a superb concert."