Featuring: Whitburn; The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army; Cory; GUS Band
Conductors: Prof Nicholas Childs; Dr Stephen Cobb; Dr Robert Childs; Christopher Bond
Doyen Recordings: DOY CD457
The ritual sense of anticipation that precedes the annual announcement of the test-pieces for the Regional Championships is invariably met by the usual mix of surprise, shrug-shouldered indifference and even cheek-puffing apprehension.
The expectations of the Kapitol Music Panel of Dr Robert Childs, Sandy Smith, John Maines, Andrea Price and Dr Stephen Cobb are unenviable in balancing popularity with purpose, the promotion of emerging talent with established writers and new works with timely reprises.
Their sucess in doing thatcame when the identity of the 2027 list was revealed at the York Barbican National Finals. It certainly created quite a bit of debate, as well as a rush to buy the pieces at the nearest trade stand.
Late life recall
For the first time in over a decade, Championship Section contenders will have to get to grips with a Peter Graham work – with his 'Ben-Hur 1925'.
Unlike the film it’s not epically proportioned (at around 14 minutes), but it does tell its tale with a keen director’s eye for technical flourishes to back the dramatic purpose.
Commissioned by Whitburn Band and premiered at the 2026 European Championship, it reimagines the story of everyone’s favourite charioteer as he looks back on his life in his later years — the music recalling flashes of challenges and glories framed by references to Eric Ball's 'King of Kings' and 'Exodus' compositions and the hymnal 'Dresden Amen'.
Unlike the film it’s not epically proportioned (at around 14 minutes), but it does tell its tale with a keen director’s eye for technical flourishes to back the dramatic purpose.
Stiff challenges and reminders
Familiar inspirations also form the framework of 'Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell' by Kevin Norbury – a stiff challenge for the First Section contenders.
This new contest edition from the SA original format, is a clever treatise on variant form (even with Hans Zimmer’s ‘Gladiator’ popped in at one point) as an ensemble rather than sectional Britten inspired ‘guide’ to achieving contest winning success.
This new contest edition from the SA original format, is a clever treatise on variant form (even with Hans Zimmer’s ‘Gladiator’ popped in at one point)
Reminders of the past are also drawn for Gareth Wood's 'Helvetia' for the Second Section bands - a personal recall of dramatic as well as quirky trips to the Swiss city of Lucerne.
Although the focus centres on moods and recollections, it’s liberally sprinkled with musical touchstones of his orchestral playing career and compositional banding hinterland.
Filmatic nods and optimism
No doubting the filmatic nods of appreciation 'Iceni Autumn' by Darrol Barry. The atmospheric four movement work that will test the rebellious contest rigour of the Third Section bands with its touches of everyone from namesake John Barry to Malcolm Arnold.
It’s great fun, as Boudicea battles against the forces of Roman rule, even if in reality she ended up dead rather than march into Ipswich in Respighi style in triumph.
It’s great fun, as Boudicea battles against the forces of Roman rule, even if in reality she ended up dead rather than march into Ipswich in Respighi style in triumph.
Substantially less gory are the twin themes explored in the Fourth Section work, 'Light Adventures' by Norwegian composer Fredrick Schjelderup. The youthful vibrancy of the writing is heard from start to finish – even the transitional lyrical central section flows with melodic optimism before it ends in a lively compound finale.
As always, the recording offers a valuable guide rather than a repeatable blueprint for success – especially for bands and conductors looking to claim their a qualification berth for York, Barbican 2027.
Iwan Fox
To Purchase:
CD: https://www.worldofbrass.com/rsdoycd457-regionals-2027-cd
Download: https://www.worldofbrass.com/DOYCD457-download
Wobplay: www.wobplay.com
Play list:
1. Ben-Hur 1925 (Peter Graham)
Whitburn Band
Conductor: Prof. Nicholas Childs
2. Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell (Kevin Norbury)
The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army
Conductor: Dr Stephen Cobb
3. Helvetia (Gareth Wood)
Cory Band
Conductor: Dr Robert Childs
4. Iceni Autumn (Darrol Barry)
GUS Band
Conductor: Christopher Bond
5. Light Adventures (Fredrick Schjelderup)
GUS Band
Conductor: Christopher Bond
