A large and expectant audience gathered for this concert by Maidstone Wind Symphony and Maidstone Choral Union, under the direction of Jonathan Crowhurst, where the first half included three choral items: ‘Locus Iste’ (Bruckner), ‘A Hymn to the Virgin’ (Britten) and ‘Coelos Ascendit Hodie’ (Stanford).

Sensitive

Maidstone Choral Union immediately captured the attention with a controlled yet sensitive approach to their singing. 

It was evident that much had been achieved in rehearsal, bringing about a performance that incorporated excellent phrasing, a wide expressive range and attention to musical detail.

The programme notes suggested that the music of Hugo Alfvén was little known beyond the borders of his native Sweden. However, his ‘Fest-Ouverture for Large Military Band’ is a delight that certainly deserves greater renown.

Following an arresting opening flourish from the brass, Maidstone Wind Symphony was quickly into its stride demonstrating a crisp ensemble that complemented perfectly the style of the music which was always attractive and easy on the ear.

Well done Brett

Guest soloist Brett Baker’s participation in the evening could hardly have been more appropriate, as it was in effect, the public launch of the CD ‘Slide Projections’, featuring Brett with the Maidstone Wind Symphony.

One of the CD’s three concertos, Johan de Meij’s ‘T-Bone Concerto’ was performed.

The tongue-in cheek titles of the three movements (‘Rare’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Well Done’) belie a very serious composition that makes great demands both on the soloist and the accompanying band.

No compromise

From the outset Brett demonstrated his mastery, assuredly coping with the varied technical challenges of the first movement. 

There was no compromise from Maidstone Wind Symphony in their approach either, meeting all the requirements multi-textured accompaniment with the use of bass guitar, harp, four percussionists and keyboard.

The second movement allowed the soloist to express his consummate musicality, drawing the audience in with some beautiful, lyrical playing, mirrored by the band’s warm, sympathetic accompaniment. There was no let-up in the last movement - Brett constantly surprising the audience with his virtuosity.

Reward

The audience’s rapturous response to the performance of this wonderful showpiece brought the reward of an encore – ‘Shout!’ by Rob Wiffin.

It was as if the shackles had been shrugged off! Brett was a soloist unleashed in a performance that was as dynamic as it was entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.

Armed Man

The second half was devoted to the Choral Suite from ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins, once again placing Maidstone Choral Union in the spotlight. 

The spiky, repeating percussion rhythms supporting the piccolo soloist introduced a first movement that featured fine, committed choral singing, leading to a sharply executed conclusion.

The ‘Kyrie’ was notable for the crystal-clear voice of soprano soloist Samantha Hotston, whilst another highlight was the full, sonorous quality created by the choir in ‘Hymn Before Action’. This was Maidstone Choral Society at its best.

Depth

Special mention must also be given to Rosey Sutton, cor anglais soloist in the ‘Benedictus’. 

The depth of sensitivity that she brought to the sustained, flowing melody added something very special to this performance.

The movement entitled ‘Better is Peace’ gave the band an opportunity to play rather more vigorously than their role as ‘accompanist’ allowed elsewhere. 

The last notes of ‘The Armed Man’ and of the concert itself were sung by the choir, holding their concentration to the end of the final, whispered chord.

Acclaim

The acclaim from the members of Maidstone Choral Society and Maidstone Wind Symphony to Jonathan Crowhurst was testament to the high regard in which they hold his substantial skills as a musical director.

Maidstone Wind Symphony is a wind ensemble of considerable ability that flies the flag for wind band music-making high and proud and must rank as one of the foremost symphonic wind bands in the country.

They are to be applauded for everything they do to raise the profile and standard of wind band music-making.

Calum Gray
MD, Southampton Concert Wind Band
Former MD, The Band of the Light Division