Brass for Great Ormond Street was the launch concert for the latest recording by the London Central Fellowship Band, led by David Rudd. 

They were joined by guest soloists and the Great Ormond Street Staff and Parent Choir, whilst Chairman Malcolm Corden had arranged for video greetings from his well known son, James, and singer Michael Buble.

Panache

Kevin Larsson's 'On We March' opened proceedings before leading into Paul Sharman's 'Sound the Amen', commissioned by the band.

Tom Nielsen delivered the demanding 'Song of Exultation' with panache, followed later by 'Whirlwind' and 'Before the Cross' to demonstrate both his technical skill and musical versatility.

'Soli deo Gloria' preceded the first two songs from the choir. With one man and fourteen ladies, and a particularly accomplished pianist, they impressed with the gospel-style 'Aint gonna let nobody' and 'Stand by Me', as well as 'My Love is like a Red, Red, Rose' (featuring Maurice Patterson on cornet) and 'Give Me a Higher Love'.

Tom Nielsen delivered the demanding 'Song of Exultation' with panache, followed later by 'Whirlwind' and 'Before the Cross' to demonstrate both his technical skill and musical versatility.

Perhaps the most unusual piece was Kenneth Downie's 'Tender Loving Care'. Written especially for the CD it featured oboe and vocal soloists, cleverly combining 'Jesus Loves Me', 'Gabriel's Oboe' and 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'.

Oboist Charlotte Hill was joined by Lucy Northwood stepping in for the indisposed Abigail Johnson.

Fire in the Blood

During the collection, Major Richard Mingay played a medley of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star', 'We Three Kings' and 'When You Wish Upon a Star'. A cheque for £2,000 was handed over to the hospital charity.

'New York, New York' opened the second half, followed by Dudley Bright's 'Excelsior', based on music used in a youth event at the 1990 Congress.

The main item from the band was 'Fire in the Blood', with cornet and euphonium both standing for their solos, and the ensemble providing a full, balanced sound.

'Love Changes Everything' was the starting point for Lt Col Peter Dalziel's scripture thought, linking the power of love with the need for faith and hope, before Andrew Blyth's bolero-style setting of 'St Clements' drew the evening to a close, with a toe-tapping 'Montreal Citadel' as an encore.

Peter Bale