The Royal Greenwich Brass Band gave its last concert of the season at Charlton House by opening with a refined reading of the march 'Under Two Flags' - helped by the commanding soprano playing of Adam Hebditch.

As Stephen Maw explained, 'Yeomen of the Guard' may not have the happiest of subject matter, but it does contain some of Sir Arthur Sullivan's finest melodies, not least the stately opening.

Short notice

Will Neeve stepped in at short notice on euphonium to give a nicely-paced rendition of 'Song of the Brother', allowing the music room to breathe. The occasional uncharacteristic lapses in the accompaniment were understandable given the limited rehearsal.

Zimmermann's 'Anchors Aweigh' is the official march of the US Navy, but apart from the main theme it’s rather nondescript, especially in the central trio section, despite the best efforts of Stephen and his enthusiastic players.

Things certainly picked up though as principal cornet Sarah 0wens, making her final appearance before departing to study trumpet in Denmark, delivered Edward Gregson's 'Before the Cross'. From the delicate opening statement through to the later decorative figures she commanded the stage in an impressive performance.

Fetching

More Gregson followed, with his 'Music for Greenwich' having its origins as incidental music for a play about a band and its behind-the-scenes politics. Spiky at times, with echoes of 'Laudate Dominum', it was full of contrast, with a fetching lyrical duet for cornet and euphonium at its core.

'Gaelforce' was reprised (it was played on the band’s last visit) and soon had the feet tapping. The lively 'Rocky Road to Dublin' and 'Tossing the Feathers' framed an expressive reading of 'The Minstrel Boy', with the hard-working percussion section being the first to be brought forward to acknowledge the enthusiastic applause.

As an encore, Stephen led the band in a sparkling 'Trepak' from the 'Nutcracker'.

Peter Bale