A highly enjoyable evening of music making saw Corus Brass, led by Nigel Taylor, open with a well-paced ‘Earle of Oxford’s March’, followed by the premiere of the engaging ‘Heralded by the Rain’ by Birmingham composer John Wood - the quiet opening developing into a full sound which certainly filled the beautiful parish church. 

Further items arranged by Elgar Howarth led nicely into the appearance of Bolton virtuoso Peter Moore, with the remarkable co-principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra producing an effortless performance of ‘Canzona for Trombone’ by David Bedford. 

In awe

Aficionados listened in awe as he soared over the top of Corus Brass, displaying an intuitive rhythmic feel to complement his silky smooth sound in the softer sections.

The audience reaction demanded an encore: It came with a wonderfully stylish polka which allowed him to demonstrate a stunning repertoire of tricks and flicks played with graceful ease. 

‘Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral’ arranged by Alwyn Green brought the first half to a rousing close, whilst after the interval it was the turn of Bolton Youth Band with conductor Craig Mann to provide a stirring start with the march ‘The New Recruit’. 

A lovely rendition of ‘Deep Harmony’ arranged by the conductor followed, with contrast added with the recent ‘Mama Mia’ film sequel hits of ‘Abba Gold’ arranged by Alan Fernie.

​The audience reaction demanded an encore: It came with a wonderfully stylish polka which allowed him to demonstrate a stunning repertoire of tricks and flicks played with graceful ease. 

Sonorous delivery

Peter Moore re-appeared to perform Bill Geldard’s classic ‘Autumn Leaves’. The musicality - coupling such a sonorous delivery with the elongated phrasing had the hallmark stamp of absolute quality.

It was a privilege to hear him perform back in his home town, but equally wonderful to hear both Corus Brass and Bolton Youth Band accompany such a talented soloist with obvious consideration.

The band concluded its solo spot with ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ and ‘Highland Cathedral’, before a wonderful evening was brought to a close with the joint forces on the march ‘Slaidburn’ and ‘The Great Gate of Kiev’ from ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’. 

It gave a triumphal end to a great concert - one which a sizeable and appreciative audience enjoyed thoroughly amid the beautiful surroundings. 

Stephen Breen