Music Director: Maureen Cameron
The Salvation Army Sydney Congress Hall
New South Wales
Saturday 11th May

Sydney Congress Hall hosted this hugely entertaining display of dedicated talent and passion, as 43 outstanding female musicians from across Australia graced its stage for this fine concert.

From as far north as Cairns, south to Hobart, and west to Adelaide, they represented the essence of unity through music as they performed works from encompassing Bach to Berlin.

Fizzing

The audience got their first taste of what was to come with a fizzing ‘Ruslan & Ludmilla’  overture, before Australian National Solo Champion Nicky Abkiewicz gave a superb rendition of ‘The Piper O’Dundee’,  combining flawless technique with rich musicality.

Two works by female composers were featured: Dorothy Gates’ soothing meditation ‘Breathe’  and Louisa Trewartha’s ‘Flight’  – the latter (a former playing member), taking the baton to conduct.  A finely delivered first half ended with the spectacular sounds of ‘Enter the Galaxies’.  

From as far north as Cairns, south to Hobart, and west to Adelaide, they represented the essence of unity through music as they performed works from encompassing Bach to Berlin.

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’  provided the fleet-footed opening to the second half, followed by a memorable tenor horn feature ‘Humble Hero’  written by Fendall Hill and Robert Kavanagh, played with subtle poise.

Flugel horn Maya Heath was a suave lead on ‘Under the Boardwalk’.   Maya recently travelled to her ancestral home to play with Eowyn Brass Band - the only all-female brass band in Sweden, at their National Championships.

Before the audience knew it, the concert reached its finale with ‘Gaelforce’  – a choreographed delight as everyone from the cornet line to the six percussionists were featured. The final bars saw the entire band on their feet to accept the prolonged applause from a delighted audience.

Award presentation

The driving inspirational force of ‘Women in Brass’ Marissa Clarke, continues to bring together women from across Australia to share in the joy of music and friendship.

The driving inspirational force of ‘Women in Brass’ Marissa Clarke, continues to bring together women from across Australia to share in the joy of music and friendship.

The occasion was therefore the perfect backdrop for Karen Davey to present the 2024 Janice Valma Davey OAM Memorial Award. It acknowledges women who have made an outstanding contribution to the Australian brass banding community.

With 14 exceptional women nominated, the winner was announced as Annette Ries, the MC for the evening. 

This concert was also a testament to the outstanding Musical Director Maureen Cameron, who for the third year led a diverse, hugely entertaining evening. A force of musical nature, her vitality and vision continues to inspire those from all corners of the nation and beyond.

Kerry Roulston