Hepworth (Cookson Homes)

Hymns of Praise
Conductor: Mark Bentham
Soloists: Rob Westacott, James Fieldhouse and Carol Stephens
St. Paul's Hall, University of Huddersfield
Sunday 3rd February

It is not often that a band takes the time to devote a night of music particularly of one type – however I for one can be very glad that the Hepworth took the time to put on this concert at a packed St Paul's Hall in Huddersfield. 

Entitled 'Hymns of Praise' it opened with a piece of exactly that name, arranged by Goff Richards, which contained the ten most popular hymns in Britain, as voted for by the viewers of BBC ‘Songs of Praise’.  It was obvious from that moment that the Band, under the capable baton of their conductor Mark Bentham, was in fine form.

Following on, Eric Ball's spectacular cornet solo 'Glory to His Name' met every bit it's match in principal cornetist Rob Westacott - the fireworks contrasting with the band's soulful rendition of Philip Wilby's beautifully crafted 'The Day Thou Gavest'. 

Indeed, variety was the spice of this concert and Mark Bentham's programme selection showed off the diversity that exists within devotional music, as well as the band's versatility.  

James Curnow's 'A Psalm of Praise' raised the tempo once again, Kenneth Downie's 'In Perfect Peace' returned a calmer mood, before the first half was rounded off with Edward Gregson's evergreen 'Variations on Laudate Dominum.'

The second half opened in bright style with Wilfred Heaton's march 'Praise' before the second soloist of the evening, principal euphonium player James Fieldhouse, stepped into the limelight and treated the audience to a breathtaking performance of Norman Bearcroft's 'A Better World.'

However, the highlight of the evening was yet to come, as Eric Ball's epic 'Resurgam' held the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Carol Stephens, the band's third soloist then produced a captivating unaccompanied marimba solo, with Evelyn Glennie's 'Little Prayer.'  Dean Goffin's 'Light of the World' and Dean Jones' 'Glorifico Aeternum' rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable programme, although there was a demand for an encore or two! 

Roy Newsome's arrangement of Handel Parker's moving hymn 'Deep Harmony,' was a fitting end to a very fine concert.

Andrew Cook

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