Twelve months ago, the concept of three bands providing a Gala Concert that exceeded three hours in length didn't really work.
However on this occasion, a repeat performance mode was sensibly slimmed down to give the audience a much more enjoyable (if varied) two and a half hours of music-making.
Eye out
Both Cory and Foden's had an eye on the following contest day whilst in contrast Black Dyke were able to relax and not hold anything back.
It was the reigning European, National & Brass in Concert champion, who started off the evening's proceedings.
Philip Harper had devised a programme that showcased three of his talented soloists, whilst he topped and tailed the programme with a cracker of a march from Philip Sparke entitled 'Marcho Brioso' and Barrie Gott's 'Lightwalk'.
Great form
Steve Stewart was on great form as he delivered the final movement from Hummel's 'Trumpet Concerto'. The bravura passages were dusted off with ease by a player who has recently recorded the whole work.
Tenor horn virtuoso Owen Farr was in a nice relaxed mood for the classic 'Autumn Leaves' whilst trombonist Chris Thomas delivered the old favourite 'Blue Bells of Scotland' with consummate ease.
Reprise from Foden's
Foden's and Allan Withington closed the first half with a reprise of the core of its programme from the British Open Gala Sunday Concert in September.
The audience certainly didn't hear the Cheshire outfit at the top of its game though, as they seemingly kept plenty in reserve for the following day.
A well-judged 'Psalm of Praise' was followed by ‘Let the Bright Seraphim’ that featured husband and wife, Richard & Lesley Poole in a rendition that never really connected with the audience in a way that it could have done.
Elegant
Andy Scott's 'Madiba' gave the band the chance to air their vocal chords before Helen Williams delivered 'Domen' in lovely elegant style.
To close, Foden's once again revived memories of their 2012 Albert Hall triumph with an engaging and energetic account of the ‘Finale’ from 'Daphnes et Chloe'.
Engrossed
In contrast, Black Dyke took to the stage after the break to deliver a concert set that kept the audience engrossed from the first note until the last.
Peter Graham's 'Summon the Dragon', bristled with energy and precision whilst Richard Marshall made sure the punters stopped off at the trade stand to pick up his new solo CD after his rendition of 'Tico, Tico'.
Powerful sounds
The powerful sounds of Dyke were heard in three movements from Karl Jenkins's 'Stabat Mater Suite’ that also showcased the quality of soloists Jonathan Bates, Gary Curtin, Zoe Hancock and James McCabe, before the Yorkshire outfit delivered two contrasting musical gems that along with Steve Stewart's solo, were the highlights of the evening.
Peter Graham's 'Radio City' took the audience back to 1940s America courtesy of Brett Baker and pastiche narration echoing Raymond Chandler, from Dale Gerrard.
Invitation
Dr Nicholas Childs has recently returned from Japan where Professor Takeo Yamamoto is the father figure and inspiration behind banding in the country.
He invited the Professor to conduct Goff Richards' descriptive 'Song of the Seashore' – a rendition that was full of dynamic control and atmosphere. It was beautiful playing.
With the audience sending their good wishes on to Paul Lovatt-Cooper for a speedy recovery, Black Dyke gave a hearty rendition for their long standing colleague with his 'Vitae Aeternum'.
Local boy Keiran Johnson then took centre stage on kit in the encore, 'Sing, Sing, Sing' which sent the sizeable audience home with their feet tapping after three interesting courses of musical fayre.
Malcolm Wood
