Composer Peter Meechan has told 4BR of his delight after being present at two performances of his compositions at the recent Royal Northern College of Music Festival of Brass.

"I was delighted to recieve performances of two of my pieces at the RNCM Festival of Brass. Both 'Requiem Paraphrases' and 'Macbeth' were featured on the Saturday — although the day was nearly ruined by a trip to Anfield in between!"

Fantastic Thornton

'Requiem Paraphrases' was originally commissioned by Steven Mead as a work for solo euphonium, brass ensemble and percussion as part of a CD recording project celebrating the 250th year since Mozart's birth.

It was then arranged by the composer for full brass band, and subsequently recorded by David Thornton on his CD, 'Devil's Duel'. The Black Dyke star euphonium player was the soloist with the RNCM Brass Band on Saturday morning.

"I'd like to thank all involved in the RNCM Brass Band performance, but especially Dave, who was fantastic.".

Following the RNCM concert, the composer travelled Liverpool to watch his beloved football club take on Havant and Waterlooville, a game he described as "traumatic" beforeheading back to Manchester to hear Brighouse's performance of 'Macbeth'4BR

Traumatic

Following the RNCM concert, the composer travelled Liverpool to watch his beloved football club take on Havant and Waterlooville, a game he described as "traumatic" beforeheading back to Manchester to hear Brighouse's performance of 'Macbeth'.

Enjoyable performance

Peter added: "Alan Morrison and Brighouse gave a really lively performance of 'Macbeth', and after hearing it from inside the box in Perth, it was great to finally see a band perform it!

I must thank to Alan and the band for a really enjoyable performance, as well as the soloists, David Moore on flugel, Steve Wilkinson on cornet, and Mike Howley on euphonium, who were all brilliant!"