*
banner

Scarlet & Gold

The Bands of the Household Division
Featuring: The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra; Lizzie Holmes (soprano)
Cadogan Hall
Thursday 29th November

Keen to reflect the particular British history of the Household Division ensembles in a worldwide 21st century context, this annual showcase concert was a clever mix of the familiar and the progressive - with polished playing aided by the effective use of social and multi-media presentation.

The effervescent compere Brigadier Alastair Bruce OBE added a touch of showmanship to the astute conducting of Lt Col Darren Wolfendale and his Majors - Michael Smith, Justin Matthews, David Barringer and Capt Craig Bywater, with a programme that pointed towards the future with a nod of heartfelt appreciation to the past.

Majesty

The effective use of renowned military choreography ensured a touch of pomp to the opening ‘Majesty’ fanfare and ‘National Anthem’, whilst a first half of geographical ‘Britishness’ saw ‘Vivat Regina’ followed by the stirring ‘Spitfire Prelude & Fugue’ and the UK premiere of Adam Gorb’s hypnotic ‘Let Them Play’ performed by the Household Division Saxophone Quartet.

WO Class II Ralph Brill was a fine flugel lead on ‘By Kell’s Water’ - displaying a languid, warmly burnished tonality, before a rousing trip north of the border with ‘Dundonnell’ from ‘Hymn of Highlands' rounded off the first half with bagpipe vigour.

The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra took centre stage to open the second half with an accomplished ‘Presto’ from Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ led by Musician Katie Davies, the 2018 Household Division Musician of the Year, with the humour slot coming courtesy of a witty melange of Monti's 'Czardas' followed by the Household Division Brass Ensemble combining wit, wigs and wicked technique in a cleverly cigarillo packaged version of excerpts from Bizet’s usually Cohiba sized opera ‘Carmen’.

WO Class II Ralph Brill was a fine flugel lead on ‘By Kell’s Water’ - displaying a languid, warmly burnished tonality, before a rousing trip north of the border with ‘Dundonnell’ from ‘Hymn of Highlands' rounded off the first half with bagpipe vigour.

Thoughtful tone

Seriousness returned with the filigree whimsy of ‘Molly on the Shore’ before a deeply thoughtful tone was struck with Patrick Hawes conducting extracts from his 'Great War Symphony', featuring soprano Lizzie Holmes. 

It lost none of its impact even in this précised version written for the occasion – the projected imagery enhancing the musical homage.

It left time for an extra touch of good old British pomp with a brisk ‘Crown Imperial’ followed by a ‘Riverdance’ segue into ‘The Music Makers’ and ‘When the Guards are on Parade’ to send everyone home with a 120 march tempo in their step.

Iwan Fox

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd