Derwent Brass certainly didn’t disappoint their five hundred plus supporters who came to help celebrate the band’s Silver Anniversary. 

They kicked off a thoroughly entertaining ‘Stage and Screen’ theme in fine style; with a couple of numbers well known to East Midlanders who used to revel in ice skaters Torville & Dean’s bladed steps with ‘Bolero’ and ‘Mack and Mabel’. 

Excellent choreography and lighting, reminiscent of the ‘Blast!’ show, supported the opening numbers and set the scene for the evening.

Birthday surprises

MD Keith Leonard had promised a couple of birthday surprises, with the first, guest soloist Siobhan Bates of Black Dyke giving a faultless rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’.  It was followed by Big Band swing, including a bluesy ‘Londonderry Air’ delivered in considerable style by solo trombone, Tim Mossad.

Derwent’s appearance in the Theatre’s production of ‘Brassed Off’ was recalled when the star, Seren Sandham Davies, who played the role of Gloria, made a surprise return for a roof-raising rendition of ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ - sounding every bit as good as Barbara Streisand in ‘Funny Girl’.

Toe tapping

After the interval came the toe-tapping ‘America’ from ‘West Side Story’ followed by a sensitive choreographed ‘Somewhere’. John Doyle’s flugel feature, ‘The Beauty of Blue’, was expertly played Richard Bates - complete with band vocal backing giving rise to an emotional close.

‘Death or Glory’ once more had echoes of the ‘Brassed Off’ stage appearance - proving to be a huge hit with an appreciative audience as they utilised every part of the auditorium.

No 25th anniversary would have been complete without a proper birthday present though - and Derwent had treated themselves to a new commission from the pen of Paul Lovatt-Cooper, who was also in attendance to hear the world premiere of ‘Beyond Heaven’s Gates’.

Birthday present

No 25th anniversary would have been complete without a proper birthday present though - and Derwent had treated themselves to a new commission from the pen of Paul Lovatt-Cooper, who was also in attendance to hear the world premiere of ‘Beyond Heaven’s Gates’.

The punchy first section was followed by a warm, lyrical interlude, before the familiar huge, thrilling conclusion brought things to an end accompanied by prolonged applause – rounding off a memorable evening of both entertainment and celebration - including stage fireworks.

It was also a great way to start the next 25 years of the band’s musical journey.  

Graham Jacklin