Organisers of the Epic Brass II concert at The Sage, Gateshead, featuring Black Dyke and The International Staff bands, this week released the thrilling repertoire lined-up for the event.

Showcase

Together, Dr. Stephen Cobb (Staff Bandmaster of The International Staff Band) and Dr. Nicholas Childs (Principal Conductor of Black Dyke Band) will lead the capacity audience on a magical musical journey with a programme that has been designed to showcase both bands' strengths and distinctly unique purposes.

Homage

The International Staff Band (The ISB) will pay homage to its former Deputy Bandmaster, Leslie Condon, in this, the 25th year since his death, with a performance of his composition, 'The Call of the Righteous'.

The ISB will pay homage to its former Deputy Bandmaster, Leslie Condon, in this, the 25th year since his death, with a performance of his composition, 'The Call of the Righteous'Organisers

World Premiere

The band will also feature the world premiere of Dudley Bright’s composition, 'The Cost of Freedom', based on the life of German pastor and evangelist, Dietrich Bonnhoeffer, who was executed because of his active opposition to the Nazi regime.

The work has been composed specially for this concert by Dudley Bright, principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra and a Salvationist bandsman with London's Regent Hall corps.

Immortal

Black Dyke Band will feature two of its star soloists, Richard Marshall and David Thornton, as well as the new work, 'Immortal', by the band’s Young Composer-in-Association, Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

The work, which has been inspired by the history, prestige and grandeur of this world-famous band, will be performed to film of Black Dyke in action and promises to provide a breathtaking finale.

Second half

The two bands will then mass in the second-half of the concert to salute the impressive compositional output of Professor Peter Graham, who celebrates his 50th birthday this year. This musical tribute will include another new piece, 'Cats Tales', composed by Professor Graham for the concert.

Retuns

Although officially sold out, those who still wish to attend should contact The Sage Gateshead’s box office on 0191 443 4661, to inquire whether any tickets have been returned at the last minute.

Those unable to attend or to purchase tickets can still watch this memorable event on the World of Brass DVD that will be released in October, later in the year.