The now traditional post British Open Sunday afternoon concert saw Black Dyke open with Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'When Thunder Calls'.

Tom Nielsen, BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist 2018, was the featured soloist with a delicately waspish rendition of 'Miss Blue Bonnet'; played without a trace of nerves, and matching sensitivity with technical excellence, before the Queensbury outfit continued with the familiar strains of their 'Big Band Suite' and a rip-roaring 'Sing, Sing, Sing'.

To close their solo spot they turned once again to Paul Lovatt-Cooper, with Matthew Routley taking the narrator's role in 'Immortal'.  Whilst paying tribute to the band's history, the current line-up left the audience in no doubt that the legacy is in good hands.

Show off

The newly crowned British Open champion Cory was determined to show off – and show off they did.

The exciting 'Night Flight to Madrid', arranged by former MD Denzil Stephens was the filmatic aperitif to a superb rendition of 'Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna'. 

Within the first few bars there was tremendous contrast in both dynamics and pace before Glyn Williams led with the bold solo line. What followed was breathtaking stuff (even the rogue entry was played with supreme confidence).

Within the first few bars there was tremendous contrast in both dynamics and pace before Glyn Williams led with the bold solo line. What followed was breathtaking stuff (even the rogue entry was played with supreme confidence).

Ailsa Russell's performance of the 'Finale’ from the Haydn ‘Horn Concerto’ was most impressive; her crisp articulation matched by the accompaniment, whilst 'The Waters of Tyne' offered a calm interlude before the Mexican inspired rhythms of 'Huapango', with lively solos spots from Steve Stewart, Tom Hutchinson and Chris Thomas.

Cory’s programme concluded with 'Summon the Heroes'.  The majestic 'Parade of the Champions' rounded things off in spectacular style.

Joint forces

After the interval the two bands joined forces under Prof Nicholas Childs for 'Liberty Bell', taken at a steady pace with prominent ‘solo’ bell, followed by a relaxed rendition 'Reet Petite', showcasing the six tenor horns.

Philip Harper then took over for the finale, and a carefully judged dynamic account of 'Pines of the Appian Way', with Helen Williams on top form. It was a fine climax (with a spirited encore of ‘The Four Seasons') to yet another enjoyable post contest concert.

Peter Bale