*
banner

Concorde to provide iconic backdrop to massed performance

One of the world's most iconic aeroplanes will provide the backdrop for a performance of Liz Lane's 'Innovation 2016' next month.

Concorde
  The iconic plane will provide the backdrop for the music on the evening

One of the world's iconic aeroplanes will provide the unique backdrop next month to a very special musical performance of composer Liz Lane's work, 'Innovation 216'.

The world premiere of the composition came in 2016 at St George's Church in Bristol, but on this occasion, and after three years of planning, a new performance will include no less than four brass bands and five choirs.

Delta wings

It will take place right next (as well as under) to the famous delta wings of Concorde — the remarkable aircraft that was designed in the city and which now houses the last of the aircraft that was built at Aerospace Bristol adjacent to the historic Filton Airfield in Patchway Bristol (BS34 5BZ).

Although the sound from the massed musicians won't quite be as loud as the engines would have been on full thrust as it headed across the Atlantic in under 3 hours, it should be one to remember on the evening of 15th February (7.30pm).

Massed ranks

The Lydbrook Band under Ian Holmes will be joined by members of Lydbrook and Lydney Training Bands, as well as City of Bristol Learner Band, the Airbus Filton Workplace Choir and City of Bristol, Bristol Man and Gurt Lush Choirs.

'Innovation 216' was commissioned by Bristol Cultural Development Partnership and celebrates 100 years of aerospace engineering in Bristol and particularly Concorde. It uses a special effects such as the Doppler (tubular bell in water) and of course sonic boom, also a rute to emulate the early wooden planes.

Although the sound from the massed musicians won't quite be as loud as the engines would have been on full thrust as it headed across the Atlantic in under 3 hours, it should be one to remember4BR

Aerospace history

The work traces Bristol's aerospace history through the reminiscences and memories of past and present workers in the industry.

Other flight-themed pieces that will feature on the night include 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines', '633 Squadron', 'Dam Busters', 'Enter the Galaxies' and 'Fly me to the Moon'.

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    


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


unibrass

UniBrass CompComp26 reveals shortlist

December 30 • Four young composers will look to be crowned 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition winner.


Brassettes

Brassettes Podcast: Episodes 5 & 6

December 30 • Jo Behan meets up with Idun Carling and the female players of Desford Colliery Band for the final two episodes of her podcast series for 2025.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd