Responding to a request from the host corps, the International Staff Band departed from their usual format for weekend campaigns by presenting a first half consisting of traditional repertoire.

'Faith is the Victory' was a splendid opener, with its syncopated style and jazz-influenced harmonies. After the calm and peace of 'All the World is Waiting' came 'Toccata'. Originally written as a brass sextet and later expanded for band without percussion, the band coped well, despite a little lack of co-ordination at times.

Carl Nielsen classy presentation of Leidzen's demanding 'Wondrous Day' was aided by detailed accompaniment being particularly well observed, whilst Derick Kane followed with 'Some Glad, Sweet Day', with Bram Tovey's writing offering many adventurous twists and a happy combination of the lyrical and technical for the soloist.

Poignant timing

The well-crafted 'Jesus, Good Above All Other' preceded Eric Ball's 'Song of Courage', based around a song written at the outbreak of the Second World War. It was a poignant choice in a week that had once again seen death and suffering on the streets of London, in what was a commanding performance with excellent solo and ensemble work.

The London Youth choir who supported the band, presenting music during the interval (as they did before the concert) before the band returned taking up a big-band formation and wearing polo shirts. Alongside young players who had taken part in an afternoon workshop they gave 'Southdown', before continuing with 'Every Time I Feel the Spirit' as the youngsters returned to their seats.

Premiere performance

A new work entitled 'Pulse' by Martin Cordner, including the melodies 'Teach Me to Dance' and 'Holy, Holy, Holy' segued into Richard Woodrow on flugel giving a relaxed 'Living Waters', before the band played '007 Light'; combining the 'James Bond Theme' with 'This Little Light of Mine' - although it did lack something of the exuberance of the Brass of Praise original.

Humourous

Kenneth Downie's relaxing 'Shekinah' preceded Sam Creamer's up-tempo 'High Over All' and the big-band style 'What a Wonderful Day'. The vocal octet then brought the house down with their humorous rendition of 'God's Still the One'.

'Peace, Perfect Peace' included references to 'Abide with Me' and was followed by Peter Graham's 'To Boldly Go'. The encore of 'Toccata' (Bach arr Farr) sent people home with their feet tapping.

Peter Bale