The National Australia Brass annual winter week 2011 culminated with the premiere performance of ‘Black Saturday’ composed by distinguished Australian composer Barry McKimm.

Tour de Force

On Saturday July 9th, the 48 piece brass and percussion and 40 voice choir amalgamated in a musical tour de force under the direction of Professor David King to render the premiere of the 5 movement ‘Lamentations — Symphony for brass band, percussion, solo tenor and male choir’. The two dramatic performances were attended by National Australia Brass composer in residence Barry McKimm and his family.

Destruction

The inspiration for McKimm’s 55 minute work is drawn from the poem ‘Lamentations’ by the eminent Australian poet Jordie Albiston. This symphonic work describes the destruction of Kinglake during the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, 7th Feb 2009.

To attend the premiere of this compelling national legacy by National Australia Brass was indeed an honour. Adrienne, Lady Stewart — Patron, National Australia Brass

Adrienne, Lady Stewart, patron of the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands who attended the premiere commented:

“The McKimm family were among those Australians who lived through the horrific Black Saturday fires that relentlessly ravaged the eastern ranges of Victoria in February 2009. To attend the premiere of this compelling national legacy by National Australia Brass was indeed an honour. The dramatic performance of this large scale work was a fitting reminder of both the force of nature ever beyond our control and the regenerating process of ‘moving on’.”