Around 150 musicians from 14 bands recently joined forces in Sheffield to play their part in the high profile Beethoven Revisited Festival.

The event was co-ordinated by Brass Bands England's Liaison Officer, Rachel Veitch-Straw, and following a short rehearsal which saw the players perform amid the fantastic acoustics of the foyer of the famous Crucible Theatre, they set out to perform in Sheffield's Tudor Square.

Uplifting

A mix of players of all ages and ability delivered an uplifting selection of music, with a large crowd gathering to enjoy the summer sounds which included 'Pop Looks Beethoven's disco grooves', the familiar sounds of the march 'Slaidburn', and the pop music of Michael Buble's 'Haven't Met You Yet'.

Highlight

The band was conducted by Oughtibridge MD Gavin Somerset, who told 4BR: "Having arranged and composed so many things for a brass band — from simple hymn tunes to full orchestra concert works, the sound of the 150 strong players belting out my arrangement of 'Haven't Met You Yet' has to go up there alongside other proud moments. Yes, it's cheesy music, but it brings so many smiles!"

Astounded

Many in the audience were regular classical concert-goers, unused to brass bands, and told Brass Bands England that they were astounded by the high-quality of the musical performance.

Thanks to the band's excellent promotional material, they now know where to find more too!

The Sheffield area bands, supported by Brass Bands England, have been linking together over the last two years to build connections with each other and with creative partners in the city4BR

Making most

Brass Bands England officers will be making the most of the success of the event to build further partnerships and new musical collaborations.

The Sheffield area bands, supported by Brass Bands England, have been linking together over the last two years to build connections with each other and with creative partners in the city.

More activities are being planned around the BBC Music Day on June 3rd with discussions underway regarding a brass band city centre concert season.