As part of this final exam at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, Belgium’s Brass Band Buizingen principal euphonium player has choosen to feature both his beloved band and the music of English composer Pete Meechan — all in an extended concert.

B of the Bang

The concert will open with 'B of the Bang', commissioned by Brass Band Buizingen and their conductor Luc Vertommen in 2005 and already receiving world wide performances in either its brass band or the wind band version.

'B of the Bang' refers to the famous quote by the British Olympic Gold medal winning sprinter, Linford Christie who always used to say that he left his blocks ‘...on the B of the Bang’.

Also featured will be 'Devil’s Duel' written for David Thornton and his beautiful 'Elegie for Trombone'.

The final piece, and the ‘tour de force’ of the evening, will be Meechan's 20 minute 'Concerto for Soprano Sax and Band'4BR

Tour de force

The final piece, and the ‘tour de force’ of the evening, will be Meechan's 20 minute 'Concerto for Soprano Sax and Band'. Composed between 2001 and 2002, it was premiered in April 2002, performed by the Rob Buckland and the RNCM Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Clark Rundell.

Guest soloist

This version for soprano saxophone and brass band was made by Brass Band Buizingen’s conductor Luc Vertommen especially for the occasion and was made in close cooperation with the composer. This work asks for four percussion players, electric guitar, bass guitar and piano – besides of the difficult accompaniment work for the band. The guest soloist will be Björn Verschoore.