Thursday evenings are not usually well known as concert nights, but with the world’s number 1 ranked band, the current First Section National Champion and a world premiere to look forward to, it proved to be huge success.  

Relaxed

Filton, with a relaxed Tom Davoren at the helm, opened with Eric Ball’s classic Salvationist march, ‘Torchbearers!’ with well observed dynamic detail expertly laid on a quintet of sturdy tubas.

Paul Lovett Cooper’s ‘Donegal Bay’ was lyrically delivered by the talented youngster Phillip James on baritone, whilst the evergreen Kevin Robbins, guesting for the evening on principal cornet, led the cornet section through a sparkling ‘Kongalela’. 

Stylish lead

Tim Malpas was a stylish lead in the popular ‘Concerto de Aranjuez’, before Filton ended their first half contribution with a rousing rendition of ‘Glorifico Aeternum’ to emphasise the musical ethos of a ‘project’ band that is now making a substantive mark at Championship Section level.  

Fizz

Cory opened with the choreographed fizz of John Wasson’s ‘American Fanfare’, before Steve Stewart delivered an extravagant rendition of ‘High Fidelity’.

Written by mainstay of the SA, Norman Bearcroft, it was a joy to hear this not often performed solo in the surroundings of the Bristol Easton Salvation Army.

Belting

A ‘belting overture’ is how Cory MD Phillip Harper introduced ‘Poet and Peasant’ - and belting it was too, with guest solo horn Phil Randall featuring wonderfully in the segues between the blazing allegros and glorious waltz section. 

Principal cornet Tom Hutchinson showcased his lyrical talents with ‘Alaw’, written by Tom Davoren before a superb rendition of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ was an oasis of controlled dynamic assuredness.

Premiere

Chris Thomas produced a cracking bit of Bourgeois with the third movement of his ‘Trombone Concerto’ before the premiere of 'Festive Dance from Mindia' by composer Ed de Boer, written under the pseudonym Alexander Comitas. 

Funded as part of a wider project by Arts Council England, it ably demonstrated the impressive capabilities of a top flight brass band on top flight form.

Contrasts

Wagner’s ‘Procession to the Minster’ and Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, were an intriguing but enjoyable contrasts to close, before Cory left the audience with the encore of the Welsh hymn tune ‘Calon Lan’. 

It rounded off a wonderful evening of music - provided by an up and coming band determined to make an impact on the national scene with their unique philosophy, and the other, aiming to continue their existing dominance at the very top of the rankings.

James Case