Twenty four hours before this concert, 89 people headed to the Bataclan Concert Hall in Paris to enjoy an evening of musical entertainment: It ended in unimaginable tragedy. 

As people took to their seats at Sage Gateshead thoughts turned to those who had lost their lives - the emotional impact given greater immediacy by the thoughtful projection of the colours of the French flag throughout the auditorium.

Solidarity

It was a message of solidarity from one concert hall to another, and from the UK banding community to counterparts and friends across the English Channel and beyond.

Fittingly, it was the current European champion taking centre stage, as Black Dyke opened with a vibrant account of Shostakovich's 'Festive Overture'. However, despite its brilliance, it was to be a mere aperitif for what was to follow - a tour de force performance from guest soloist Philip Cobb.

Jaw dropping

The Principal Trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra was on stunning form - a startling exhibition of a world class talent. You would have paid twice over to hear him as he first produced an agile, forthright 'Jubilance' that had jaws dropping in open mouthed admiration, closely followed a beautiful rendition of 'Dark Haired Marie'.

Christopher Bond's 'Lest We Forgot' featuring the stentorian tones of Matthew Routley in the role of Herbert Asquith announcing the outbreak of the First World War was a dignified tribute to not just those who sacrificed so much in conflict, but to those whose lives were lost in Paris.

Impeccable

It was followed by Katrina Marzella producing an impeccable account of Peter Graham's 'The Holy Well', before the first half closed with a reprise of the band's European own-choice selection, which has since become a concert repertoire staple, 'Metropolis 1927'.

After the break, Goff Richards arrangement of Irving Berlin's 'Lets Face the Music and Dance' paved the way for Philip Cobb to return to deliver 'Flourish' - an apt title if ever there was one, before the audience revelled in nostalgia as he was joined by Richard Marshall for the duet 'Mac and Mort' - made famous by Jack Macintosh and Harry Mortimer. Who was who on this occasion was left to the audience to decide.

Sparkle

The trio of regular Black Dyke big band numbers was as polished as ever before Gary Curtin added a touch of sparkle with 'Eire Time'.

PLC’s 'Fire in the Blood' provided the finale, although there was just time for the obligatory encore, and a cracking rendition of 'Gaelforce' that included a great bit of flugel work by Zoe Hancock in the central 'Minstrel Boy' to send everyone on their way with a spring in their step.

However, the significance of the fact that a well entertained audience was able to return home after a great night out was not lost on those present.

Malcolm Wood