A musical rallying call has gone out to brass band players across the world from the organisers of the renowned Harrogate Festival International Festivals Summer Festival.

It hopes to "keep the magic of music alive"in an innovative fashion after the event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Initially the festival commissioned Yorkshire based composer and conductor Dr David Lancaster to write a new work entitled 'Eclipse', which was completed and ready to be performed just a few days before the widespread lockdown of cultural events.

Worldwide

However, the premiere was of course delayed, but not wanting it to be further delayed in its performance the International Festival is now looking for as many brass players as possible to take part in an international 'virtual brass band' and to submit their own playing of the piece for inclusion in a video of epic proportions.

Sharon Canavar, CEO of the festivals commented "Now, it's more important than ever to create new music, support new commissions, bring communities together and keep the magic of music alive. With so many brass bands unable to rehearse, we hope that giving them the opportunity to be part of a premiere performance is something lots of players will want to take part in".

Here at HIF we are welcoming all brass players, young and old, novice and professional, from all over the world, to be a part of our virtual performance and the online world premiere of 'Eclipse'."

Light returns

Speaking about the piece, Dr Lancaster said: "An Eclipse occurs when an astronomical body is temporarily obscured. I composed this music when many concerts, festivals, theatres and galleries have been suspended owing to the pandemic.

The music was intended initially for performance online but with the hope that in future it can be performed live at the Festival once the temporary suspension of our artistic lives is lifted and light returns."

We're also delighted that a special guest trumpet soloist will be performing the opening to the piece — however, you'll have to wait and see who that is!organisers

Special guest

Craig Ratcliffe, HIF trustee and co-ordinator of the project said "We're also delighted that a special guest trumpet soloist will be performing the opening to the piece — however, you'll have to wait and see who that is!"

Take part

All you have to do to be a part is follow the link below where all will be explained.

It's easy to follow and download — so what are you waiting for?
https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/news/eclipse/