Brighton & Hove City Brass continued their summer programme with this hugely enjoyable musical trip to Eastbourne’s famous bandstand.

Under the guidance of MD Matthew Hackett they were on fine form too, with perhaps the majority of critical acclaim and plaudits reserved for a fine performance of Tchaikovsky’s famous ‘1812 Overture’.  

Resounding climax

The technically challenging score was met with gusto, accuracy and power with the audience engrossed by the emerging (if well known) drama.

It all came to a resounding climax as a spectacular firework display accompanied the battle scene.  It was a breathless end to what had been a pulsating concert.

Earlier the band demonstrated real versatility in their approach; belting out Queen’s outrageous ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, Elgar’s ever popular ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ march, ‘Good Old Sussex by the Sea’ and ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ in a showcase manner that was thoroughly entertaining and well played. 

It all came to a resounding climax as a spectacular firework display accompanied the battle scene.  It was a breathless end to what had been a pulsating concert.

Crafted solos

The MD cleverly changed the mood and pace with a pair of beautifully crafted solo efforts. 

Connie Chadwick was magnificent on flugel horn during a moving rendition of ‘Unchained Melody’, whilst there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as horn player Jenny Ireland played the title role in a spellbinding ‘Autumn’s End’.

All that and the fireworks and glorious sounds of Tchaikovsky at his best made sure the audience was left with no dounbt that they had been thoroughly entertained.

Colin Bowman