4BR has been informed that fund raising efforts continue by the Gustav Holst and Malcolm Arnold Societies towards the joint aim of producing two significant brass band recording projects over the next 18 months.
They are working in collaboration to raise around £15,000 to fund the release of the major recordings of original and arranged works from the celebrated composers, which they also hope will open new repertoire for bands to perform.
Substantial funding
Ken Talbot of the Malcom Arnold Society told 4BR: "These recordings will release a wealth of new music for brass band hitherto unpublished by two leading English composers.
However, they cannot happen without substantial funding. Whereas, both the Malcolm Arnold and Holst Societies will be raising funds from their respective membership, there is likely to be an overall shortfall of about £15,000.
We are therefore hoping people will make a minimum donation of £50 to help achieve our goal."
Donors
4BR was informed that the Holst Society and the Malcolm Arnold Society both undertake that funds donated and held in the Society's designated account will be divided equally between the two societies.
Donors can indicate which CD they wish for their donation to be accredited to in the liner notes of the releases.
The new CDs will feature a great of music never recorded before.
These recordings will release a wealth of new music for brass band hitherto unpublished by two leading English composersKen Talbot, Malcolm Arnold Society
Cory and Holst
The Holst Society is working with Cory Band and hope to record a CD of his works in Cardiff in the autumn of 2023 under the batons of Philip Harper and guest conductor Martyn Brabbins.
It will include his masterful 'A Moorside Suite' as well as several transcriptions from the concert and orchestral medium by Philip Littlemore, Paul Hindmarsh, Philip Harper and Alistair Wheeler of 'Suite No.1 in E Flat', and 'No. 2 in F', 'The Lure', 'Marching Song', Fugal Overture', The Perfect Fool Ballet Suite', 'Scherzo', and Mr Silkrit's Folly'.
Foden's and Arnold
It is also hoped that Foden's Band will record the Malcolm Arnold CD in March 2024 to feature established works such as 'Fantasy for Brass Band', his two 'Little Suites' as well as 'Fanfare for a Festival' and 'Song of Freedom — for SA Chorus and Brass Band'.
World premieres will come in the form of the march 'Overseas' and the overture 'The Roots of Heaven', arranged by Neil Richmond, as well as 'Machines' and 'Sweeny Todd' arranged by Philip Littlemore.
