The 2014 Festival concluded with an enjoyable (if long) triptych concert slickly linked together by Simone Rebello.
It was the Yorkshire Area champion, Brighouse & Rastrick who kicked off the three hour programme with an entertaining set, neatly centred on its featured soloists.
Generated
Prof David King was on sparkling form as he generated a pulse of rhythmic energy that flowed through a well-judged reading of Vinter's rather neglected, 'Challenging Brass'.
The first soloist was vocalist, Lydia Hoen Tjoere - a cornet player as well as finalist in the Norwegian version of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.
Her upbeat rendition of 'Confidential Information' benefited from sympathetic accompaniment from the ensemble - something that was shown to even finer effect in a haunting rendition of 'The Prayer'.
Relaxed
Sheona White was on relaxed form in the UK première of Philip Sparke's beautifully crafted 'Aria', whilst Stale Johannsen was simply dynamic in Darrol Barry's 'Impromptu for Tuba'.
Philip Harper's 'In Love for Me' took both the dynamic and mood right down, before the band closed in the boldest of manners with a cracking 'Vita Destructa', written with remarkable maturity by 18 year old Tom Smith.
Easy on the ear
Foden's under Richard Evans brought the first half to a close with a set that was deliberately aimed to be easy on the ear.
The maestro enjoyed himself immensely in the opening march, 'The Cossack' - (tastefully swaggered it must be said) followed by Philip Sparke's sprightly 'Jubilee Overture'.
Tasteful artistry
Matthew Eden's composition, 'Spring Song' played with tasteful artistry by soloist Mark Wilkinson was delightful stuff, whilst Howard Snell's 'Postcard from Mexico' was polished off in the blink of a Guadalajara eye.
John Barber was the elegant lead in 'Elaine' from Dr Denis Wright's 'Tintagel', before Foden’s (who played with a lovely touch of reserve throughout) rounded things off with Robin Dewhurst's engaging 'The Flight of the Wild Geese'.
Eager return
After a much-needed interval, the audience eagerly returned to hear the newly crowned British Open champion, Black Dyke.
With the Open Shield gleaming on stage, PLC's high octane, 'Enter the Galaxies' paved the way for British Open ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award winner, Zoe Hancock, with Philip Harper's 'Dreams and Dances' - a piece specially written to showcase her wonderful array of musical talents.
Kenneth Downie's setting of 'Lord of All Hopefulness' was perfectly balanced, before Daniel Thomas and Adrian Hurst were featured in 'What a Wonderful World' as part of Dyke's big band set.
Commanding memories
All that was left was for a commanding MDs reading of Gregson's 'Of Distant Memories' - in a performance that grew in stature and musicality from a very high starting point - one that was given further resonance with the composer in attendance.
There was no need for an encore, but Dyke sent the crowd on their way with Howard Lorriman's rendition of 'Highland Cathedral' featuring Gary Curtin, whilst the MD, much to their delight, gave the British Open Shield a cheeky rub to make sure it was still gleaming bright.
Malcolm Wood
