The Citadel Hall at Peterborough looked suitably festive with red and white balloons for this highly enjoyable visit of Canada’s North York Temple Band.

Following pre-meeting music by the Peterborough Songsters (Julian Bright) the band entered to the strains of the march, ‘The Canadian’. 

Talented young composer

There was much expectation over the band’s visit, committed as they are to the presentation of new music, and they opened in scintillating style with the march ‘Abundance’, written by their fearless soprano player Marcus Venables, who is one of seven family members in the band. 

Based on the song, ‘How Much More’, it showed off the ensemble’s bright sound to good effect, with crisp articulation and a warm sound from the six-strong horn section in the trio.

Stunning solo playing

This was followed by the cornet soloits Brindley Venables giving the first performance of Andrew Mackereth’s ‘Heaven Came Down’. 

Described as, ‘Arban meets Godzilla’, this formidable test of technique was dispatched with aplomb, with nicely controlled playing in the middle section contrasting with the fireworks either side.

Edward Mylechreest’s, ‘He is Exalted’ provided a gentle interlude before Brendan Rawlins presented the euphonium solo, ‘Harbour Light’.  

The robust and colourful accompaniment supported the soloist well without ever overwhelming him, as he tackled the intricacies of this occasionally high-flying number.

Vibrant affirmation

Dean Jones had been instrumental in organising the visit, but was unable to be present to hear his ‘Validus Deus’ - a potent affirmation of the greatness of God. 

Words projected onto the screen assisted those who were unfamiliar with the featured melodies, as this exciting piece, quite frenetic at times, drew the first half to a close, complete with ringing top Eb from Marcus on soprano.

A quintet heralded the opening of the second half before the band broke into, ‘Singin’ with the Saints’ - a sparkling arrangement of ‘Singing in the Heavenly Choir’.  

The congregation then had the chance to join in with William Himes’ inventive setting of, ‘Storm the Forts’.

Trombonist extraordinaire

Barrington Venables, who led the outstanding trombone section throughout the evening, displayed a confidently relaxed style in, ‘Fantasy on Spirituals’, as he took the jazz-inflected elements in his stride, aided by some sympathetic accompaniment, especially in the divided sections in the lower brass.

Meanwhile, composer Ian Feltwell was present to hear his, ‘Nothing but Thy Blood‘, featuring two melodies set to the familiar text.  

This led into the scripture message from Commissioner William Francis, who had proved an excellent compère.

Thrilling finale

The programme ended with another premiere: ‘Everywhere’ used Andrew Maycock’s tune to, ‘It’s as high as the Sky' reflecting on man’s relationship with God. 

Using the opening rising arpeggio from the chorus, the music grew in intensity as it depicted the growth of the faith community. 

Doubts then set in, but these were gradually overcome, as the cornet of Robert Venables intoned the melody of the verse for the first time.  

The piece ended in a paean of praise and rejoicing, topped once more by Marcus’s clear soprano tone.

Following a vote of thanks and an exchange of gifts, the band delivered, ‘Stand Strong’, based on, ‘We’ll Lift up the Banner’, but with references to ‘O Canada’ and the film music of John Williams thrown in for good measure. 

Peter Bale