*
banner

Friary Band

Conductor: Chris King
College Gardens
Westminster Abbey
London
Wednesday 25th August

Froary

After their long Covid-19 hibernation, the Friary Band returned to the concert platform with an appearance in the wonderful setting of the College Gardens of Westminster Abbey.

It was a relaxed occasion (the odd Police siren warned of trouble with marching protesters rather than the MDs familiar old jokes!), with the players in determined mode to rid themselves of the rust of inactivity by oiling their wheels on well-chosen repertoire (all that missing was Ketlebey’s  ‘In  Monastery Garden’).

Trajectory

The band has also undergone a subtle rebranding process in the past 18 months or so as they look to enhance their musical ambitions of being recognised amongst the very best elite level contest competitors (an early acid test coming at the nearby Albert Hall in October). 

On this form the trajectory continues to head in the right direction.

From the opening bars of Gregson's  'Prelude to an Occasion'  the band stayed intelligently within its dynamic and technical boundaries - allowing the overture to  'Die Fledermaus'  that followed to capture its light wit and crisp style. 

From the opening bars of Gregson's  'Prelude to an Occasion'  the band stayed intelligently within its dynamic and technical boundaries - allowing the overture to  'Die Fledermaus'  that followed to capture its light wit and crisp style. 

Their soloists had certainly returned in good shape; Chris Pannell (horn), Richard Straker (cornet), Lauren Straker (flugel), James Nash (soprano) and Chris Straker (euphonium) all being featured. 

Striking

Particularly striking was  'What a Wonderful World'  by Richard Straker, in a new arrangement by Callum Au, and so too in a non intended musical pun, Chris Straker's  'Grandfather's Clock' - all the better for being analogue rather than needlessly atomic powered.

Heaton's  'Just as I am'  and Goff Richards'  'Songs of Praise'  neatly changed the mood, although the speed of the Saint-Saean’s  'French Military March'  perhaps lost some of its bluff splendour in the process.  

Elsewhere  'Songs of the Quay' and a  'Frolic for Trombones'  that certainly lived up to its name set things up for final furlong lactic acid gasp on Borodin's  'Polovtsian Dances'  to round off an enjoyable concert return.

Peter Bale    

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd