Derwent Brass 
St Peter’s Church
Belper
Conductor: Jack Capstaff
Saturday 9th November

Remembrance weekend was once again marked with pride throughout the nation through concerts, parades or the simple sound of ‘The Last Post’.

Derwent Brass marked their contribution of thanks in their hometown with this respectfully tailored concert led by MD Jack Capstaff in the presence of the local dignitaries as well families and those simply wishing to pay their own respects.  

Acknowledged

‘A Fantasy of Joy’  based on ‘Beethoven’s Ode to Joy’ acknowledged the 200th anniversary of his Ninth Symphony, originally commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, the organisation that earlier this year honoured Derwent Brass with their coveted Inspiration Award. 

A trio of world premieres followed – all finalists from the band’s inaugural International Composition Award.

Holst’s ‘Moorside Suite’,  marking the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth closed the half in substantive fashion.

Tim Jackson’s ‘Capriccio Mancunio’,  ‘New Beginnings’  by Becky Lund featuring guest soprano singer Lindsey James, and the winning entry, ‘The Hacienda’  by Aaron Breeze made for an engaging segment of musical substance – each a celebration of the freedom of expression that those who fought for our liberties, died for. 

Holst’s ‘Moorside Suite’,  marking the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth closed the half in substantive fashion.

Remembrance

Philip Sparke’s arrangement of ‘Summon the Heroes’  was a nicely observed opening that led into a second half dedicated to remembrance.

During the Act of Remembrance, which took place between ‘Agnus Dei’  and ‘Now the Guns Have Stopped’,  the standards of the Royal British Legion were lowered in solemn tribute. 

A poignant reading of ‘The Remembrance Box’  preceded an extended selection from Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace’.  During the Act of Remembrance, which took place between ‘Agnus Dei’  and ‘Now the Guns Have Stopped’,  the standards of the Royal British Legion were lowered in solemn tribute. 

Resonance

‘Pie Jesu’  from Fauré’s 'Requiem'  and ‘Lux Aeterna’  set to Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’  led to the communal singing of ‘Abide with Me’,  before a celebratory rendition of Malcolm Arnold’s ‘Padstow Lifeboat’  marked the 200 year sacrifice made by those of the RNLI.

Hearing Normandy  veterans’ reflect on the D-Day 80 commemorations, alongside insights into the Royal  British Legion’s vital work, lent the evening a profound resonance of the need for remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Chris Leonard