The first concert of what is hoped will become an annual event saw the collaboration of Pershore Midsummer Brass with one of its most popular summer guests, Tongwynlais Temperance Band. 

Two fold

The purpose of the concert was twofold: to offer the local townsfolk (who turned out in numbers to support the evening) a second helping of wonderful brass music, whilst also giving the Welsh champion a wonderful setting to show off their considerable musical skills.

Under the direction of the entertaining Steve Sykes, the band delivered a varied programme of repertoire which totally engaged the audience throughout. 

Rousing start

A rousing start was provided by Paul Lovatt-Copper’s, ‘Enter the Galaxy’ which, despite the booming acoustic of the abbey, demonstrated their intent to exercise dynamic control.

The adventurous nature of the first half programme was certainly shown by Langford’s ‘Rhapsody for Trombone’, delivered by the younger Stephen Sykes in true ‘lusheroso’ style and in a manner the great ‘Don’ would have been thrilled with, whilst the performance of Satie’s ‘Gymnopedie No 1’ was sonorous and sweet, with the balanced chording floating through the abbey arches and alcoves. 

Confident

In contrast, euphonium soloist, Grant Jameson delivered a fabulously confident Monti’s ‘Czardas’ whilst it was good to hear a reprise of Edward Gregson’s National test piece, ‘Of Distant Memories’, which was played with control and purpose enabling the main solo lines to be heard despite the full and rich band sounds.

Vibrant

The second half provided yet more high class playing, with a vibrant ‘Castell Coch’ to open followed by a delicate performance of ‘Send in the Clowns’, admirably played by principal cornet, Gareth Hann.

Gareth Wood’s ‘Sospan Fach’ was bold and passionate, although Steve Sykes translation of the Welsh folk song’s lyrics, delivered in inimitable style, did little to enlighten listeners about the meaning of the work but did provide the comic highlight of the evening! 

Tingle

The third movement from Stephan Bulla’s ‘Images for Brass’, a four movement work written to commemorate the landing of the US Marines at Iwo Jima again, like the earlier Gymnopedie, made optimal use of the abbey’s acoustical character: It's beautifully conceived arrangement of the popular hymn tune ‘Melita’ sent a real tingle down the spine.

Prelude

Max Steiner’s grandiose ‘Tara’s Theme’ from ‘Gone with the Wind’ was a luscious prelude to a thumping ‘March Slav’ to close, before demands for an encore produced a fizzing ‘Toccata in D Minor’ to bring to an end a highly enjoyable evening, which will hopefully be repeated once again in 2014 and beyond.

Dee Stretford