Black Dyke

Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs
Soloist: James Morrison
Adelaide Festival Theatre
Adelaide
Tuesday 11th August

A large crowd of Band lovers arrived at the Adelaide Festival Theatre with great anticipation ready to experience an evening with the world’s most famous Brass Band.

Opener

The band opened with the march 'Queensbury', a march written for the band in its early beginnings.

The audience were immediately aware of the outstanding dynamic control and brilliance of this 28 piece brass and percussion ensemble.

The band has as members some of the most brilliant soloists in the world today and they presented a wonderful display of  musical skills combining incredible technical genius with beautiful musical moments which will remain in our minds for a long time.

Flawless

Principal cornet Richard Marshall showed why he is revered with a flawless rendition of  'Willow Echoes'.

David Thornton’s euphonium playing of Rossini’s 'Theme and Variations' was simply awesome and Sandy Smith delighted us with his musical performance of  'Autumn Leaves' on the tenor horn.

Eminent musician Dr. Nicholas Childs has been with the band as Principal Conductor and Director of Music for many years, and tonight we experienced a master at work, as the band responded to his demands for perfection in Glinka’s exhilarating Overture, 'Russlan and Ludmilla' and Philip Wilby’s, 'Vienna Nights' a major work commissioned for the major brass band competitions which take place in England every year.

Thrilling

The band’s ability to remain controlled and technically accurate at any tempo and within all dynamic requirements was thrilling. In all the music presented the ensemble was beautifully balanced and meticulously together.

Australia’s, and indeed the world’s premier multi-instrumetalist, James Morrison is touring with Black Dyke and provided  extraordinary  guest appearances during the concert. 

His flugel horn playing during Stephen Bulla’s emotional 'Blessed Assurance' was memorable and his fireworks on trumpet and trombone continue to astound all who hear him perform. He has had a long association with the band and often joins them in England for concerts.

Immortal

The band concluded the evening with 'Immortal' a work written for the band by percussionist Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

Half of the band members left the stage and ventured into the theatre to provide sounds which filled the theatre, a truly great moment for all in attendance as they experienced the music all around them.

The composer has used a wonderful mix of brass and percussion to create a work with exquisite texture and sound.

Wit and humour

Nicholas Childs guided the audience through the programme with  wit and humour making the music come alive.

The finale was wonderfully executed, with each section leaving the stage with a wave, leaving  Joe Cook to involve the audience with some tuba playing magic.

The band then returned and filled the theatre with sound as they said a final goodbye.

Innovation

During Black Dyke’s 152 year history they have provided leadership to the brass bands of the world as they continually raise the bar with their innovation and quest for excellence in brass music.

The Adelaide audience were privileged tonight to hear Black Dyke Band in full flight we thank them for including Adelaide in their schedule.

Bruce Raymond

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