Although the coda to a memorable inaugural Italian National Championship was provided by a major earthquake tremor that shook the buildings of Ascoli Piceno on Sunday morning, the considerably more enjoyable climax to an historic event came the night before with this delightful Gala Concert.

Charisma

Held in the ornate Teatro Ventidio Basso in the heart of the beautiful Apennine mountain town, it was a celebration of the dedication and passion that had seen the fledgling Associazone Italiana Brass Band come of age - led by the indefatigable charisma of the great trombonist Lito Fontana.

It’s not often the compere is greeted with chants of personal acclamation like a star midfielder warming-up before home supporters sat on the terraces of the local football stadium, but Signore Fontana was afforded the honour - and deservedly so. Little wonder he was humbled by the reaction.  

Sparkling virtuosity

It was the same for the featured artists: Ensemble de Cuivre Melodia from Switzerland showcasing their youthful talents to the full under the baton of Vincent Baroni, with their own soloists Basile Kohler and Vincent Maurer displaying sparkling virtuosity on ‘Concerto for Trumpet’ and ‘This Wicked Struggle’ respectively.

Substance as well as style came with ‘La Forza Del Destino’ and ‘Metropolis 1927’ alongside ‘Cadillac of the Silver Screen’, ‘Upon the Celtic Cross’ and ‘Fire in the Blood’, whilst the well known Thrift Shop encore was a linguistic as well as choreographed delight.

Loudest cheers

The loudest cheers though were reserved for the home pairing of cornet player Gunther Graber on ‘Song and Dance’ and Luciano De Luca (who was later presented with the contest’s ‘Best Soloist’ award) with ‘Pantomime’ - topped by Signore Fontana himself, who was simply spellbinding on ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Libertango’.

The encore to the encore was great touch; Vincent Baroni offering the baton to Lito Fontana to conduct a presto run-through the famous march ‘Knight Templar’.

It was a great end to the start of a long night of celebrations that were only stopped by that early morning rumbling wake-up call.

Iwan Fox