Fairey Band

Conductor: David Hirst
Prescot Parish Church
Friday June 2nd

After an evening in the company of the Fairey Band, it is hard to believe this is just what they do in their spare time. Lacking nothing in professionalism, the 69-year-old brass band possesses a stunning breadth of talent and a flair for genres as diverse as jazz, acid, classical and military.

Friday night's concert began with Fanfare for the 'Common Man', with the familiar opening theme giving way to a spectacularly jazzed-up arrangement of Aaron Copland's original. From there, the contrast could not be greater. This reviewer had to hold back a tear when cornet soloist Mike Eccles played the traditional folk song 'My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose' in dulcet tones.

The band always like to throw in a surprise or two; the novelty this evening was Albert Elms's 'Battle of Trafalgar', narrated by ye olde naval officer in full period costume, and punctuated with cymbal crashes and gunfire.

The second half opened with 'Padstow Lifeboat' by Malcolm Arnold, one of a trio of composers with important anniversaries this year. Sir Malcolm celebrates his 85th birthday, while Mozart, celebrating his 250th anniversary, was represented by 'Ave Verum', and Shostakovich's centenary was marked with a rousing performance of the 'Festive Overture'.

A crowd of 200 packed out the Parish Church for the event, an official "launch" for the Prescot Festival. The Festival officially opens on Thursday 22nd June at 7.30pm at Prescot Parish Church with the Valley Brass Band from Haydock. More information is at www.artsinprescot.org.uk.

Dave Kernick

^back to top