Williams Fairey Band

Conductor: Brian Hurdley

"Best of Brass Series" (Prima Arts)
Winding Wheel, Chesterfield
Sunday 16th June 2002

World Cup fever was forgotten last Sunday (16th June) when lovers of brass music were privileged to hear Williams Fairey band perform like world champions. In a programme that delighted both brass band aficionados and interested listeners alike this fine band provided a demonstration of pure skill and excellence from beginning to end.

Williams Fairey commenced their programme with Geoffrey Brand's arrangement of the overture 'Carnival' by (Dvorak) and here it was apparent that the band was completely at ease with this difficult and exciting music, in particular the fine cornet section, which drove the music to its brilliant conclusion. Of course the band provided the audience with some superb individual solo items from Ian Porthouse (cornet), Morgan Griffiths (euphonium) but highlight of the evening was the tremendous playing by Neil Hewson (flugel horn) in Ray Farr's arrangement of 'The Children of Sanchez'.

Andy Duncan's skills as an arranger were highlighted in music from the 'Harry Potter' movie (Hedwigs Theme), and cartoon action music 'Loony Tunes'. Although not a capacity audience there was prolonged applause for a programme well played and well directed by guest conductor Brian Hurdley.

David Hirst

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