Black Dyke Band

Conductors: Dr. Nicholas Childs & Dr. Roy Newsome
Bury Parish Church
Friday 8th June

Just three weeks to the day since Black Dyke appeared at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester with James Morrison, it was a delight to see and hear the band again, only this time in the very different and somewhat surprise surroundings of Bury Parish Church.
 
Not only did the players adapt to the very generous acoustic almost instantly, it was a totally different experience to see the front row of audience members literally inches away from Messrs. Roberts, Marshall, Thornton and Baker.
 
In aid of the church organ fund, many of the items selected were connected with the instrument. A large and appreciative audience was treated to a full and varied programme which included the ever-present opening ‘Queensbury', Shostakovich's ‘Festive Overture', ‘Cappricio Espanol', ‘Deep Harmony', Saint-Saens ‘Organ Symphony', ‘Grand March' from ‘Aida', ‘Introduction To Act III' of ‘Lohengrin' and ‘Suite Gothique', which brought the evening to a superb close.

The soloists featured were Richard Marshall (‘Virtuosity'), Brett Baker (‘Autumn Leaves'), Pete Roberts (‘On With The Motley'), Dave Thornton (‘Devil's Duel'), John Doyle (‘That'll Do') and Anne Armstrong on Xylophone (‘Gee Whizz').

Nicholas Childs conducted the opening four items and a further three after the interval whilst Roy Newsome took the baton for no less than eight items during the evening including the encore of ‘The Lost Chord' and it was clear that he loved every minute of being at the helm.
 
Whilst perhaps unfair to single out players from a band in relaxed and excellent form, Richard Marshall, John Doyle, David Thornton and Pete Roberts displayed why they are the very best. Yes, there were occasional blemishes during the outstanding evening but the quality of these individuals undoubtedly makes those around them raise their game.

Chris Wormald

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