*
banner

Brighouse provide musical lock to slow motion celebration

The world premiere of 'Super Slow Way: A Rhapsody to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal' has received widespread critical and popular acclaim — much to the delight of producer Ian Brownbill.

Rhapsody
  Singer Amanda Roocroft leads the Super Slow Way alongside conductor Clark Rundell and Brighouse & Rastrick

200 years of iconic waterway history was brought to life at King Georges Hall in Blackburn on the weekend with the world premiere of 'Super Slow Way: A Rhapsody to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal'.

Massive work

The massive 85 minute work was written by composer by Ian Stephens with an evocative narration by renowned poet Ian McMillan.

It saw a 70-strong Blackburn People's Choir perform alongside 100 local school children, celebrated soprano Amanda Roocroft, cellist Jonathan Aasgaard, tabla player Kuljit Bhamra and the Brighouse & Rastrick Band, all under the baton of Clark Rundell.

Memorable afternoon

And with the project gaining extensive local, regional and national media coverage, it was little wonder Producer Ian Brownbill told 4BR of his delight after the premiere received widespread acclaim from audience, participants and critics alike.

"Only now I've just about come down from a truly memorable afternoon,"he said. "I'm sure everyone involved and especially those who came and enjoyed the premiere won't forget it for a very long time."

Such was the demand for tickets that the start was delayed by 20 minutes — although after 200 years of slow motion travel from the heart of Blackburn to Liverpool that was mere blip on the canal's remarkable time-line.

200 years of history

The work depicted two centuries of community life alongside the canal in 21 movements — linked together by Ian McMillan's poetry; from moments of reflection by the waterside and families from far-away places arriving and finding new homes, to the ambitious Victorian 'fat cats' and pioneers who sought their fortune in creating the Victorian version of the 'super highway'.

Pride

And Ian, who played a pivotal role in bringing the equally evocative 'King Cotton' to the stage almost a decade ago working with playwright Jimmy McGovern, couldn't hold back his pride by the outcome.

"One of the real pleasures was putting all the youngsters on stage with world class artists, choirs and one of the finest brass bands in the business.

It was a combination that worked so well. Ian Stephens is a superb composer and I hope he can be persuaded to write for brass bands in the future."

Only now I've just about come down from a truly memorable afternoon. I'm sure everyone involved and especially those who came and enjoyed the premiere won't forget it for a very long timeIan Brownbill

Legacy

Hopefully so indeed, especially as Ian also revealed that a connection is already in place: "His daughter plays with St Helens Youth and cellist Jonathan Aasgaard's son plays with Greenalls Band — so you never know."

As for the future legacy of the work, Ian hoped that more public performances are planned for 2017 as well as a potential recording.

"That is now something we have to look at very closely.

It was such a thrill to work with artists such Amanda Roocroft (shown above in the performance) and the truly superb Ian McMillan, and I must give a personal thank you to Brighouse & Rastrick who fully supported the project and performed so magnificently. They provided 85 minutes of outstanding musicianship that locked everything together."

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    


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Tredeagr Band

New addition to Tredegar tuba team

October 28 • Edward Falloon, the principal tuba of the National Youth Orchestra joins the bass section at the Welsh Champion.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

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


Garforth Brass

October 29 • Garforth Brass are looking for a second euphonium to join our friendly 3rd Section band. We rehearse on a Wednesday evening at Garforth Methodist Church, Church Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 1NW from 7.30-9.15pm. We are easily accessible from the A1 and M1.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 28 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd