*
banner

Marion City Band

Sound Pictures
Conductor: Veronica Boulton
Bird in Hand Winery
Adelaide Hills
South Australia
Saturday 8th July

The picturesque Bird in Hand Winery was the splendid location for this special concert, where nestled between barrels, the Marion City Band, under MD Veronica Boulton, opened with ‘Cu Allaidh’ by Jarrett Wheatley. 

In the hands of Fletcher Mitchell, we were treated to a hauntingly beautiful euphonium solo, echoed by lingering dissonances from the ensemble as the bruisingly fast passages morphed into folk melodies and finally the well-known hymn tune. 

By this time, people sitting around tables sipping wine had stopped talking and even a little baby in a highchair watched on transfixed. The cadenza at the end gave us a chance to hear the colours of the euphonium in the hands of an expert.

Stomp

It was followed by the premiere of ‘Stomp’ by Brendan Collins; a work requiring very fast fingers and tight ensemble. And stomping there was from the percussion and lower brass; with shrill replies from the cornets, creating a sense of excitement that was palpable.

The eagerly awaited feature work was Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’. Originally written for piano, the most well known version was orchestrated by Ravel, whilst this band rendition, arranged by Elgar Howarth, featured brass instruments imitating effects more normally heard from strings, creating really unusual and interesting textures.

This performance was made unique by the inclusion of paintings by Ingrid Mangan; one painting reflecting each of the 10 movements.

Paintings

This performance was made unique by the inclusion of paintings by Ingrid Mangan; one painting reflecting each of the 10 movements. These were all rather disparate in style; reflecting the range of moods in the music, whilst audience also got a chance to contribute to a painting representing the ‘Promenade’, the central theme that connects the movements.

The band and MD did themselves proud. While there were some niggling intonation issues at times, there were many lovely moments, including good ensemble thanks to the clear conducting, which gave the music a sense of urgency, wonderful dynamic contrasts and lovely solo passages from the soprano cornet in particular.

‘The Great Gate of Kiev’ summoned a sound that filled the barn. As the piece drew to a close, heavy giant footsteps signalled the end of this great work and a very fine concert.

Prof Tanya Monro

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Stretford Band

October 11 • Stretford Band (Manchester) has a terrific new MD. Now it needs you! We need bass, trombone and percussion but will welcome anyone who wants to play popular music without the stress of competing. Any ability any age.. Hope to see you soon.


Audley Brass

October 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 3 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd