The Wingates Band recently found themselves playing a short concert in very unusual surroundings, when they were asked to provide the music for a birthday soiree at Sotheby’s Auctioneers House in London.

Birthday treat

The band were invited to provide the background music to the 40th birthday celebrations of one of composer’s Michael Nyman’s family friends, and meant that they had to leave the bandroom at 1.00pm on Wednesday afternoon to return home on at 1.00pm on Thursday morning – all for 15 minutes of music making!

Our association with Michael Nyman is very important to us and he was delighted that we were able to make the trip down to playBand Manger Graham Hall

Nyman invite

Band Manger Graham Hall told 4BR: "Michael Nyman wanted to make it a very special celebration, so we were invited to come down and play a short 15 minutes of music as the guests enjoyed their evening. Our association with Michael Nyman is very important to us and he was delighted that we were able to make the trip down to play. The reception was a great occasion and we certainly enjoyed ourselves too."