Peter Moore in Concert

Accompanist: Nick Oliver
Dobcross Silver Band
Conductors: Grenville Moore & Dr Roy Newsome
Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross
Friday 13th November

If you read an autobiography, biography or even a serious article in the press about a film star, actor or sports personality, the chances are you'll be reading phrases such as ‘natural-born performer’, ‘hard-working’, ‘driven’, ‘naturally-talented’, etc. 

Each is a phrase that acknowledges the person's undoubted ability, but is also a reminder that nothing comes without total commitment.

Peter Moore is still only 13 years of age, but he certainly meets all of the above criteria and is a performer who oozes natural ability. 

Going back to familiar roots

Since winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year title, Peter’s talents have been in demand including the trip of a lifetime to Australia in the summer.  

Looking ahead, further trips to Vienna for the European Young Musician Competition next May and Germany, next August are already pencilled into an increasing bulging diary.

Having started his banding career at Dobcross when the family moved to the area and with his father, Grenville, now conducting the band, Pete was keen to 'go back to familiar roots' and say a big thank you to everybody who has supported him so far on his remarkable musical journey.

It may have been a filthy horrible night, but 4BR's 2008 'Player of the Year', delighted a large audience with a fabulous virtuoso display which left people totally gob-smacked at what they were listening too.

Totally focussed

Throughout the seven pieces he performed, what stood out was an individual totally focused on communicating with his audience, and intent on delivering a truly musical performance. 

The razor sharp production and the innate musicality in his phrasing were remarkable for a performer of any age – let along one so young (although he is growing at a remarkable rate too!)

It doesn't really matter what the piece is either, be it the 'Hommage A Bach' (Bozza) 'Concerto for Alto Trombone' (Wagenseil) or 'Sang for Lotta' (Sandstrom), each was performed with mature poise, beautiful control and lyricism.  The Larsson 'Concertino' in particular was absolutely top draw.

Love

Above also else though, the one thing that stands out is that he just loves playing the trombone. 

Yes, this was serious business, and this is a young man who is growing up quickly, but he just thrived on playing and having fun.  He's lucky enough to have a family who supports him whole-heartedly and in addition there is Nick Oliver, his accompanist who he met at Chetham's School of Music: There's a real understanding and respect between the two of them. 

Nick matched the soloist every inch of the way, in a display of virtuosity that was very much the equal of his friend.
 
Band performance

Taking a breather, Dobcross Band was in good form on the night too with Grenville Moore’s showing that his restrained direction is proving highly beneficial.

He has been MD for just over a year and has already taken the band to the National Finals at Harrogate. The Second Section beckons next year, and the work ethic that Pete puts in is certainly mirrored by Grenville  - and the results are paying dividends.

Purposeful

Dobcross's programme was purposefully light with 'Out of Africa', 'Light as Air', 'I'll Walk with God', all performed with neat ensemble as was the popular overture 'Marriage of Figaro' along with two marches, 'Westward Ho' and 'Death or Glory’ -the latter directed by Dr Roy Newsome.

All was that left to round off a splendid night was for Peter to play 'Blessed Assurance', a solo he'd performed with the band on numerous occasions and as always played with a superb degree of facility.
 
Malcolm Wood

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