North East trio to lead great exhibition at Sage

Reg Vardy, NASUWT Riverside and Easington Colliery are to combine to be featured in a musical celebration of the Great Exhibition of the North at Sage Gateshead.

Sage Gateshead will host the special concert event

Thursday, 14 June 2018

There will be a rare chance to hear three of the North East's top bands in non-competitive action together next month as part of a high profile cultural festival at Sage Gateshead.

'The Great Exhibition of the North' is a free, summer-long celebration of the region. Running from June 22nd to September 9th, it's a mammoth 80-day programme of exhibitions, live performances and displays of innovation, artworks and experiences.

From marches to Maurice

The Great North Brass concert will take place on Sunday July 8th and will feature the Reg Vardy, NASUWT Riverside and Easington Colliery Bands in a concert showcasing the music of the area — from the marches of the great George Allen to the arranging skills of local lads Alan Catherall and Ray Farr.

Dr. Robert Childs will lead the bands whilst tuba virtuoso Joe Cook will be welcomed back to his native North East from his home in Norway for a welcome appearance as a special guest soloist.

There will be a 'Star Wars' tribute to the great Maurice Murphy, who was for many years the Principal Trumpet of the BBC Northern Orchestra4BR

Wonderful opportunity

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It's a wonderful opportunity to hear three famous bands perform music that has a rich connection to the area.

There will be a 'Star Wars' tribute to the great Maurice Murphy, who was for many years the Principal Trumpet of the BBC Northern Orchestra, alongside music redolent of area such as 'Three Rivers Fantasy' which harks back to the early days of Tyne Tees Television).

There will also be North East folk tunes by Jack Stobbs and Lee Morris, music arranged by North East-born Musical Director of the Central Band of the RAF, Wing Commander Eric Banks, Roger Payne's witty composition 'Geordie Jack Tar' and Steve Robson's setting of 'Hills of the North Rejoice'.

To round things off there will be the chance to hear Goff Richards' 1980 Brass in Concert test-piece 'Songs of the Quay' as well as Sunderland-born Edward Gregson's 'Variations on Laudate Dominum'."

Find out more

To find out more go to: www.sagegateshead.com or Sage Gateshead Ticket Office 0191 443 4661.

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