Granite City Brass recently welcomed an audience of former members, supporters and friends to St Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen to enjoy the organisation's 175th anniversary celebrations.
It proved to be a memorable occasion that combined great music and historical reflection, as well as a series of richly deserved Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) presentations.
Awards
SBBA Vice-President Ann Murray, acknowledged the extraordinary commitment to Scottish brass banding with Life Membership for David Catto in marking 52 years of banding service, and Isobel Robertson, who has 47 years and counting of dedicated commitment. A SBBA Honorary Medal went to John Benzie in marking 50 years as the Band Librarian.
To mark the milestone year, the band itself was presented with a commemorative SBBA quaich recognising contribution to Scottish brass banding.
Music
Under MD Alan Haggart, the anniversary programme of music was connected to key moments in the band's proud history — from the opening 'Festmusik der Stadt Wien' as a tribute to the late David James, to Wagner's 'Prelude to Act 3 of Lohengrin', written in 1850 — the year the band was founded.
Contest memories were recalled with Bruce Fraser's 'Under the Bridges', Goff Richards' 'Oceans', and Kenneth Downie's 'Overture: Granite City', commissioned for the band's 150th anniversary and symbolising a major moment of renewal.
The second half featured repertoire tied to pivotal chapters of the modern band, including Morley Calvert's 'Introduction, Elegy and Caprice', the work performed in winning the 2024 Scottish First Section Championship.
We're proud of our history, grateful to everyone who supports us, and excited for what comes nextGranite City
Future
The future of the organisation was also featured with performances from the Granite City Community Band, conducted by Pixie Nishina, whilst a massed bands finale brought the celebration to a fitting close.
Reflection on the occasion, Band Secretary Lewis Catto told 4BR: "Reaching 175 years is an extraordinary milestone, and it was incredibly moving to celebrate it with so many people who have shaped the band's story.
We're proud of our history, grateful to everyone who supports us, and excited for what comes next."
