*
banner

BrassPass.tv UK Band of the Year Gala Concert

Black Dyke
Conductor: Prof Nicholas Childs
Soloist: David Childs
Stoller Hall, Manchester
Saturday 22nd June

stars

After the thrilling heavyweight action enjoyed by a packed audience at the inaugural BrassPass.tv UK Band of the Year contest, it was perhaps a little surprising that this Gala Concert only managed to fill half the seats at Stoller Hall.

Those who decided not to add an enjoyable coda to their day in Manchester missed out (although the event was live-broadcast) on a relaxed Black Dyke and breathtaking David Childs.

Timely reminder

Earlier the band had given a timely reminder of their inherent competitive qualities with a contest set of world premieres from the pens Philip Wilby, Peter Graham and Bruce Broughton. After that display of high class brilliance on high class compositions it was perhaps understandable that a lightweight programme of well worn familiarity didn’t quite hold as much appeal.

That said, any lingering disappointment was quickly erased by the sound of ‘Queensbury’ played with crisp precision, whilst an energetic ‘Ruslan & Ludmilla’ overture retained a Cyrillic sparkle. The concert standards of ‘Black Dyke at the Movies’ and ‘Big Band Suite’ were played with easy ingrained style, whilst ‘Fire in the Blood’, ‘Bacchanale’ and ‘Shine As the Light’ were driven on classy auto-pilot.

Perhaps David Childs also wanted to reinforce his reputation for being a class apart from rivals as he delivered a masterclass in solo artistry and professionalism. 

Class apart

Perhaps David Childs also wanted to reinforce his reputation for being a class apart from rivals as he delivered a masterclass in solo artistry and professionalism.

It was faultless playing - the Romany flamboyance of ‘Zigeunerweisen’ balanced by the tasteful lyricism of ‘Danny Boy’ in the first half, the refined virtuosity of ‘Endearing Young Charms’ added to by the tender beauty of ‘A Little Prayer’ in the second.

It had been a pleasing musical sorbet (Walking with Heroes’ was the added encore) after the hefty main courses of earlier in the day.  

Malcolm Wood

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd