Conductors: Ian Porthouse, Alan Fernie
Strathallan School
Sunday, August 11th

There was no one quite like Richard Evans. One of the banding world’s true characters, his passion inspired players to perform for him, although behind the flair and showmanship was a resolute and refined musician of exceptional talent. 

Over many years he developed a special relationship with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland - his legacy marked with this uplifting communal 'Brass in the Park' celebration.

The 60 players of the senior NYBBS ensemble were also passionately driven in their performances to round off a hugely enjoyable day under MD Ian Porthouse (who was also very directly inspired by Richard Evans in his early career).

Energy relish

The great entertainer would have relished the energy shown in the opening 'Flight'  by young composer Louisa Trewarth, as he would have been with the considered approach to Gordon Langford’s 'Sinfonietta'  which evoked a sense of telling nostalgia; its opening conjuring up images of the BBC 'Best of Brass' television series that he enjoyed so much taking part in. 

There was a cultured lyricism to the second movement and a great deal of clarity to close with notable contributions from around the stands.

 There was a cultured lyricism to the second movement and a great deal of clarity to close with notable contributions from around the stands.

The mature understanding didn’t end there, as principal cornet Ruaridh Prentice led with sensitivity on 'Dear Lord and Father'  aided by the basses playing with rich sonority.

'Sinfonietta No.3'  by Etienne Crausaz was the major work - and one played with verve and virtuosity, with lead lines again delivered with authority (solo euph Angus Ritchie excelled) and the stamina maintained  to the end. 

Intensity and drama

Lennon and McCartney's iconic 'Blackbird', given a new lease of life by Andy Austin, grooved nicely, before the emotional intent changed course with Andrew Duncan’s arrangement of 'Peterloo Overture' - played with intensity and drama from first note until last.

The inclusion of Elgar's 'Nimrod'  from the 'Enigma Variations' (one of Richard's favourite works) was delivered with tenderness and well as nobility. 

'Last Call'  by Otto M Schwarz was the ideal musical dessert after the considerable main course; rhythmic, upbeat and underpinned by a fantastic percussion section, including Scott Crumlish on kit. The inclusion of Elgar's 'Nimrod'  from the 'Enigma Variations'  (one of Richard's favourite works) was delivered with tenderness and well as nobility. 

Massed finale

It was then the turn of the massed band forces to round things off - some 200 in number for 'Thanks Boss',  a march composed in Richard’s memory by Alan Fernie. It was a fitting climax to a day of finely judged musical emotion. 

The three NYBBS concerts were interspersed with speeches, performances from live guests and video recordings led by the excellent compere, Neil Cross.

On a day when much time was spent looking back, there are plenty of reasons for NYBBS to be buoyant about the future. Richard Evans would have been delighted. 

Mark Good