The current Scottish Open Champions Co-operative Funeralcare Band traveled to Perth last weekend to perform in a concert conducted by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, and which featured a world premiere of one of his latest works.

In demand

Since retiring from playing with Black Dyke, Paul has been in demand as a conductor with a number of engagements in the UK and Europe.

In addition to his work with Co-operative Funeralcare, he will also be traveling to Switzerland and Denmark over the coming months to conduct a series of masterclasses with various brass ensembles.

Latest premiere

The latest premiere was came courtesy of Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club who hosted a charity concert in aid of Swaziland Children’s Food Aid Programme.

Present

The concert was directed and compered by Paul and featured a quartet of his works — including the premiere of 'Island Whirl' which is based on the Scottish folk song 'An Eriskay Love Lilt'.

Stunning

Paul told 4BR that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of conducting a top class band: "They are quite a stunning ensemble. The band is very professional and performed to an extremely high standard both in their rehearsals and on the concert stage. It was a real privilege to conduct them."

Margaret Milligan commissioned ‘Island Whirl’ as a 70th birthday present for her husband Ian, who is the MD of Callander Brass, based in Callander, near Stirling.

The band is very professional and performed to an extremely high standard both in their rehearsals and on the concert stage. It was a real privilege to conduct themPLC

Favourite

Margaret wanted to give Ian something different to celebrate the milestone, and contacted Paul about the possibility of composing a special piece.

Paul, who has worked with Ian in the past, immediately accepted and set about composing a piece that took its influence from one of their favourite folk tunes 'An Eriskay Love Lilt'.

And with the perfect time and place and band to premiere the new work, the opportunity proved too good to miss. Both were thrilled by the music and the occasion, which raised over £2000 for the Food Aid Programme.

Spectacular

Commenting on the concert, President of the Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club Colin Moreland told 4BR: "The evening was spectacular! We had Scotland's finest brass band conducted by one of the UK's most sought after musicians and with a world premier to boot!

It was a night to remember and the money raised will go to a great charitable cause."