Any disappointment over their British Open contest result the previous day was soon forgotten as Foden’s opened in fine style with Bramwell Tovey's 'Deo Gloria' and David Thornton presented 'Some Glad Sweet Day' with sumptuous authority. 

Discovered amongst his father's papers after his death, Tovey produced a solo version for Derick Kane to perform with the National Youth Brass Band, and Derick was present to hear David's nuanced rendition that never submerged the musicality in his obvious technical mastery.

Scintillating

The Salvation Army link continued with a scintillating version of 'Praise', before a Spanish note was introduced with 'La Boda de Luis Alonson', a lively wedding dance that had been selected by principal cornet Mark Wilkinson.  

Following the presentation of a framed picture to solo trombonist John Barber to mark his 20 years with the band, the programme ended with a majestic account of 'The Kingdom Triumphant'.

Centre stage

Newly crowned Open champion Cory opened with some South American magic with Ginastera's 'Malambo'; a showcase that tested all sections of the band.  After the entry of the British Open Shield to take centre stage alongside the National, European and Brass in Concert baubles, they then gave a stylish account of the overture 'The Thieving Magpie’, with effective use of antiphonal side drums.

Items from their most recent Brass in Concert programme saw Tom Hutchinson's red-hot solo 'Fuego' followed by 'Aristotle's Air' featuring Glyn Williams on euphonium and Chris Thomas on trombone, whilst Helen Williams’s suave lead on 'Under the Boardwalk' was ably assisted by BBb tuba Rob Nicholson.

'Orgy of the Brigands' from 'Harold in Italy' provided a stunning finale to a well-received set, full of atmosphere and excitement.

Stylish

Philip Sparke's arrangement of Widor’s 'Toccata' saw Black Dyke provide a stylish opener, with precise articulation and attention to dynamics, before the gifted euphonium star Daniel Thomas, and current BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Musician, was able to appear with his own band.

A thrilling account of Peter Graham's 'Bravura' showed his command of the extreme upper register, and he followed that with an electrifying 'A Troika? Tidy!' from the Karl Jenkins ‘Euphonium Concerto’.

Goff Richards' up-tempo take on 'Mack the Knife' contrasted with the smooth lines of 'Abide with Me', featuring Zoe Hancock on flugel, before Black Dyke ended with 'To Boldly Go'; written by Peter Graham to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Melbourne Staff Band. 

Finale

The customary finale saw Cory return to the stage to join Black Dyke, with Bram Gay invited to announce that he would be withdrawing from organising future events.    

There was a poignant moment as he led the bands in the hymn tune 'Rimington', his audition piece for Pentre Young People's Band at the age of 6, before conducting them in 'Punchinello'.

Philip Harper then took up the baton for the 'Heroic March’ from ‘An Epic Symphony' before the combined encore of 'I'll Walk with God'.

With three outstanding bands in such good form, it is to be hoped that someone will take up the mantle and ensure that this concert continues for many years to come.

Peter Bale