The guests for Symphony Sounds 2017 were the Australian Territorial Youth Band; its members drawn from the two territories which make up the Salvation Army's presence in the country.  

Led by Ken Waterworth, the Bandmaster of the Melbourne Staff Band, they were accompanied by Silvie Paladino, an experienced vocalist who has performed on the London stage in 'Les Miserables'.  

Her songs had been skilfully arranged by Brian Hogg to make a powerful impact - although perhaps the most telling contribution was 'Jesus I Love You', to the accompaniment of Brandon Waterworth on vibraphone.

Call to Arms

The concert opened with Paul Sharman's 'Call to Arms', featuring the cornets of the AUS Youth Band and the ISB, with melodic references to Les Condon's 'A Song of Praise' and Dirk Krommenhoek's 'A God-raised and spirit-filled Army'.
 
The International Staff Songsters, fresh from their tour of Australia and New Zealand, also impressed with their contrasting contributions; from the reflective 'Come to the Cross' to the light-hearted vocalisation of 'Lightwalk'.

Under Dr Stephen Cobb, the International Staff Band presented 'Endeavour', and Eric Ball's 'Song of Courage' featuring excellent contributions from Andrew Justice and Carl Nielsen.  In the second half they took up a big-band formation for the Glenn Miller style 'What a Wonderful Day' and '007 Light', combining 'This Little light of Mine' with James Bond references.

New music from Larsson

The Australian Territorial Youth Band set out with Kevin Larsson's 'Glory, Hallelujah'; an arrangement of an old Sunday school chorus with elements of the circus band.  It showed them as a well-balanced ensemble, built on a solid bass sound with an accomplished trio of percussionists.  

Their major contribution was Larsson’s 'Peace'; an extended work incorporating 'Come Thou Long Expected Jesus', 'The Infant King', 'Sing Lullaby' and Eric Ball's tune to 'Peace in our Time, O Lord'.

Lively setting

Sam Creamer's 'The Kingdom is Theirs' was an interesting treatment of the children's song 'You Don't Have to be Clever', including an attractive jazz-waltz interlude and references to 'For Thine is the Kingdom', whilst Brandon Waterworth had everyone entranced with his vibraphone rendition of 'Everything'.
 
With a 'Dance Medley' featuring young performers, Stephen Cobb and Commissioner Clive Adams and members of the ISB, and a finale featuring the whole company in Len Ballantine's setting of 'Amazing Grace' , it rounded off a varied and enjoyable evening.

Peter Bale