The ground breaking link between contemporary ballet and brass banding was further enhanced this week by the visit of Mark Baldwin, Artistic Director of the Rambert Ballet to Tredegar Band for the first rehearsal of part of Gavin Higgins’ ‘Dark Arteries’ score.

Rambert season

Mark (above) made the trip from London to work on initial choreography ideas for the 30 minute composition, which will form a major part of Rambert’s 2015 season at their home at Sadler’s Wells.

“It was wonderful to hear the music being played,” Mark told 4BR. “It promises to be such an evocative work, full of energy, textures and atmosphere.

The possibilities are thrilling with such a fantastic score being developed by Gavin and the sound of the band. There are so many ideas I have to work on now!”

Eye opening

Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse was also delighted to start work on the composition. “As always, Gavin’s music opens up so many different avenues for a band. It’s so inventively scored and to link this with Mark’s vision has been eye opening.

Bringing together the genres in this way really does open up amazing possibilities.”

The possibilities are thrilling with such a fantastic score being developed by Gavin and the sound of the band. There are so many ideas I have to work on now!Rambert Artistic Director Mark Baldwin

Tour

‘Dark Arteries’ will be performed at Sadler’s Wells in May before touring throughout the UK.