Tredegar Band will be heading north later today to put their final preparations in place for their appearance at the Brass in Concert Championship at Sage Gateshead.
However, their programme will be inspired by the southern most point on the globe, as their 'Ice Bird' programme looks at the challenges and joys of the life of the humble penguin — the iconic and occasionally comedic custodian of the continent of Antarctica.
Partnership
The programme has been written in partnership with composer Paul Saggers and the Royal Navy Antarctic Survey and will be given its world's premiere at the contest, followed the very next day with a reprise at a special concert with Durham University Brass Band and Houghton area Youth Band.
That event at the Mount Oswald Hub in Durham (DH1 3FP) at 2.30pm will also see the band gave the world premieres of the two new winning works of the Durham University Composition Competition.
Ice Bird
Speaking to 4BR , MD, Ian Porthouse said: "The Brass in Concert weekend is a great way to round off what has been a memorable year for the band. We're delighted to work with Paul and the Royal Navy on 'The Ice Bird' — a piece that I hope people will see reflects our approach to music making.
The connection with Durham University and the afternoon concert will also be a super way to round things off — so I hope plenty of people come along and enjoy plenty of great music — especially from the winning competitions winners."
