Just Movies, Canterbury Foundation Brass
22-Sep-2005'Just Movies' - Canterbury Foundation Brass, conducted by Davey Boyes, Aurora Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand, September 3rd, 2005.
As soon as the curtains parted on stage at the Aurora Centre, Christchurch, it was obvious that the audience was in for a rare treat, both musically and visually. With the swirling mist (theatrical dry ice) rising up around the band in their vivid red and black uniforms, the effect was stunning aided by the music from ‘Conquest of paradise'. As the programme progressed through the ‘Braveheart Suite', ‘The Rock' and ‘Flying Theme and Fanfare from ET', I was struck by the tightness and professionalism of Canterbury Foundation Brass under the baton of Davey Boyes. Davey is a euphonium player, originally hailing from the UK, who is now gaining acclaim as a Musical Director in New Zealand.
The solo euphonium player Gavin Styles played beautifully in ‘The Way We Were', ably accompanied by the attentive conductor and band.
‘Willow' and ‘Return of the King' were impressive by the degree of musicality shown by all the sections throughout. As a player myself, it was good to be able to view different angles of the band and close ups of various soloists on the big screen hanging from the proscenium arch. The Star Wars ‘Phantom Menace Suite' brought the first half to a rather sinister close.
There was nothing sinister about the opening ‘Muppet Theme' for the second half; always a delight to walk down memory lane. Perfect renditions of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean' and ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' followed. Then a poignant moment with the four solo cornets, led by the indefatigable Kevin McMorran, performing ‘Nearer Thy God to Thee', from the blockbuster movie ‘Titanic'. This performance was dedicated to the victims of the tragedy unfolding in New Orleans; never an easy atmosphere for soloists on brass instruments to cope with, e.g. last post on Anzac day, but if the players felt pressure it certainly did not show on this instance.
We were jerked back from somber thoughts by a wonderfully humorous semi-staging of Laurel and Hardy ‘Another Fine Mess' complete with hats worn by the two euphonium soloists.
The fantasy-action film 'Highlander' was represented by the rock anthem ‘Who Wants to Live Forever' written by Brian May of Queen Fame. This arrangement showed both power and sensitivity. 'Mission Impossible' by Lalo Schifrin followed; another rendition of a highly complex score in which the ensemble was polished and taut.
This wonderful evening of music from the movies was capped with a virtuosic demonstration by Canterbury Foundation Brass of 'Barbarian Horde' from 'Gladiator'. Davey Boyes is to be congratulated on an extraordinary feat of planning, research and direction. There were signs of nervousness, especially at the beginning of the concert, but all in all, a musical joy from start to finish.
Iaan Wilson
