This concert by the Royal Greenwich Brass Band was one of three marking the 20th anniversary of its foundation. 

The band was formed as the Trinity College of Music Brass Band, before becoming the Trinity College of Music Students Union Band and subsequently Greenwich Brass Band, gaining the 'Royal' epithet when the Borough was granted the honour.

Salvation connection

There was a strong Salvation Army connection in the programme; opening with Peter Graham's 'Ad Optimum', written as a tribute to Bandmaster James Williams MBE. 

After the busy start the trombones introduced 'When Morning Gilds the Skies' before the euphonium presented Peter's own tune to 'The Name of Jesus'. The music built impressively, leading to the affirmative statement of 'Praise to the Holiest in the Height'.

Programming 'Resurgam' was possibly a little adventurous given the limited rehearsal time, and with many players not from a brass band background. The opening suffered from a few tuning issues, and the sound was rather lacking in warmth.

Things settled down though, with good work by the horns and solo cornet, although there were a few lapses in the ensemble concentration.

'Gaelforce' saw a different band; with the lively 'Rocky Road to Dublin' moving along nicely and 'The Minstrel Boy' providing a moment of calm. 'Tossing the Feathers' was taken at a cracking pace - the playing enthusiastic but kept tightly under control.

Different band

'Gaelforce' saw a different band; with the lively 'Rocky Road to Dublin' moving along nicely and 'The Minstrel Boy' providing a moment of calm. 'Tossing the Feathers' was taken at a cracking pace - the playing enthusiastic but kept tightly under control.

The final item was Paul Lovatt Cooper's 'Fire in the Blood'. The vigorous energy of 'Psalm 95' contrasted with the excellent playing of the horns and trombones in the slower interlude. 

'Lord, You Know That We Love You' and 'I Love You Lord' were beautifully played by cornet and euphonium respectively, and the music moved inexorably to its triumphant close in a blaze of sound.

As Stephen Maw left the stage the band played Goff Richards' setting of 'Crimond' - producing some of the most delicate playing of a fine afternoon.

Peter Bale