*
banner

Cory Band

Conductor: Philip Harper
Featuring : Bratton Silver and Training Bands
Corn Exchange
Devices
Sunday 22nd September

stars
Fresh from their memorable British Open victory, the world’s number 1 ranked band enjoyed a relaxed weekend ‘tour’ that included an enjoyable Saturday evening concert in Southampton, followed by this afternoon event that helped Bratton Silver Band celebrate its 160th anniversary.

Not even a late change of venue could dampen the enthusiasm of a packed audience, helped by Philip Harper’s equally enthusiastic engagement with them throughout the afternoon.

Tone set

The tone was set with a sparkling rendition of Andrew Baker’s ‘A Short Ride in a Brass Machine’ that was revved up with pulsating excitement.  Von Suppe’s ‘Light Cavalry’ overture that followed was a display of horse power of a different kind; an elegant muscularity brimming with prancing colour. 

Sop star Steve Stewart displayed the full array of his talents in a cracking rendition of ‘Over the Horizon’ whilst Liz Lane’s quirky ‘Grand Union Waltz’ with its stylish undulations, was a quirky delight.

The stage was then set for close on 90 performers for the joint items, with ‘The Young Amadeus’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ followed by the world premiere of the evocative 'The Lost Village of Imber’.

Ghostly presence

Written for the occasion by Cory’s composer in residence, Chris Bond, it recalled the story of a tiny village on Salisbury Plain which was evacuated in the Second World War to provide the army with urban warfare practice, but after VE Day never saw the residents return. Today it remains a ghostly presence, its church opened on one day a year for an annual service.

Today it remains a ghostly presence, its church opened on one day a year for an annual service.

The second half certainly saw Cory return. T.J Powell’s ‘The Spaceman’ march, ‘Blue-Sleeve Step’ and a brace of riveting solo spots from Tom Hutchinson and Glyn Williams added the glitz to a reprise of the Cory/RWCM&D Composer Award winning entry ‘Colossus’ as well the engaging ‘Pandora’s Box’ written by Bratton percussionist Naomi Styles.

‘Capriccio Espagnole’ was given the full tour-de-force treatment before the encore of ‘It’s Raining Men’ brought a wonderful afternoon of 160th anniversary entertainment to a close.

Jack Fingleton

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


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd