Conductors: Kevin McKeown; Alan Duguid
Royal College of Music
London
Saturday 12th April

London’s concert scene rarely offers high-quality concerts without charge (tariff or otherwise), making this collaborative evening between the Santa Monica High School Wind Ensemble (known colloquially as Samohi) and Regent Brass at the Royal College of Music especially noteworthy.

Known for its outstanding music department which involves over 300 students performing in jazz, marching, and concert bands, Samohi is Santa Monica’s flagship ensemble, with this impressively delivered programme under conductor Kevin McKeown concluding a UK tour which included successful performances in Edinburgh and Manchester.

Celebration

Their first set celebrated composers associated with the Royal College of Music; opening with William Byrd’s stately 'The Earle of Oxford’s March'  arranged by Elgar Howarth, followed by a mature and subtly nuanced take of Holst’s underperformed 'Hammersmith'. 

Vaughan Williams’ lushly textured 'Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis'  resonated gloriously, showcasing the ensemble’s dynamic control and tonal balance.

Not short on ambition, Philip Sparke’s technically challenging 'The Year of the Dragon'  was confidently executed, with the brass section particularly impressive.

Not short on ambition, Philip Sparke’s technically challenging 'The Year of the Dragon'  was confidently executed, with the brass section particularly impressive. The third movement’s complex woodwind passages displayed agile technique, contrasting the ensemble's refined sound in the more lyrical central section. The composer was also present in the audience, adding special significance to the evening. 

Friendship

Their second set explored themes of friendship; the world-renowned clarinettist Julian Bliss, delivering a stunningly expressive rendition of the ‘Blues’  from Gershwin’s 'An American in Paris'.  His sensitive musicianship was complemented by the ensemble’s accompaniment. 

Closing selections from 'La La Land'  and a Beatles medley (complete with enthusiastic audience ‘Hey Jude’  participation) provided a joyful finale.

Regent Brass, directed by Alan Duguid, shared the stage as invited guests, also bringing their reputation for adventurous programming to the evening. 

Energy and conviction

They opened with Peter Yarde Martin’s new work, 'Tangled Space',  creatively reframing Holst’s themes through minimalist textures, played with impressive energy and conviction. 

Elgar Howarth’s 'Mosaic',  despite dating from 1954, felt fresh and engaging, while Kelly-Marie Murphy’s 'Into the Darkness, the Wise and the Lovely'  showcased a vividly evocative soundscape, enriched by muted brass and intricate percussion colours.

Euphonium duo Ken Bonsar-Ward and Steve Rongvaer-Boother captivated with Philip Doe’s poignant 'Lullaby',  blending sensitivity and lyricism. Elgar Howarth’s 'Mosaic',  despite dating from 1954, felt fresh and engaging, while Kelly-Marie Murphy’s 'Into the Darkness, the Wise and the Lovely'  showcased a vividly evocative soundscape, enriched by muted brass and intricate percussion colours. The dynamic ‘Fugue’  from Philip Sparke’s 'Graduation Day', showcased a fine command of technique and style.

This transatlantic musical partnership offered an uplifting showcase of talent, thoughtful programming, and inspirational leadership, deserving praise for delivering such accomplished performances – and all free of charge.

Jan Briane Astom