The British Army Brass Band will be making a welcome return to the concert stage next week as they celebrate the 70th birthday of composer Philip Wilby.

The event takes place at St Peter's Church of England in Harrogate on Thursday 11th April (7.30pm) and will see the ensemble made up of the cream of British Army brass banding talent directed by Capt Brenden Wheeler, Director of Music of The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps.

Iconic works

No stranger to the civilian world of brass banding, Capt Wheeler will lead the band through a number of iconic works written for the medium by Prof Wilby during his distinguished composing career, including the imposing test-pieces, 'Masquerade' and 'Revelation'.

Capt Wheeler told 4BR that he is delighted that the British Army Brass Band will be able to join in the birthday celebrations in this way.

"Prof Wilby revolutionised major brass band compositions, opening perhaps the most exciting new chapter to the medium in half a century or more.

To be able to pay our tribute to him is a great honour and I'm sure the audience will be thrilled to hear his magnificent music in an equally magnificent surrounding."

To be able to pay our tribute to him is a great honour and I'm sure the audience will be thrilled to hear his magnificent music in an equally magnificent surroundingCapt Brenden Wheeler

Solo spot

Also on the programme will be his 'Scipio — Fanfare & Fugue' and his wonderful setting of 'The Day Thou Gavest', whilst Cory' star tenor horn player and Army Musician Ailsa Russell will perform his 'Fantasie Concertante'.

The event will be rounded off with an evocative rendition of the narrated 'The Pilgrims Progress', with Philip Wilby joining in on the church organ.

Concert details:

The British Army Brass Band
St Peter's Church
Harrogate
HG1 1PB
Thursday 11th April (7.30pm)