Having arrived at the theatre where there was already a sizeable crowd gathered, it became clear on reading the programme that I wasn't familiar with too many of the pieces that Old Hall Brass was going to play.
However, all that changed when they actually performed, as the tunes were certainly ones that I had heard before.
Fine pace
The opening 'O.R.B' march was set at a fine pace and delivered with real precision, whilst the overture, ‘La Forza del Destino’ was given a sterling performance, with excellent soloists and solid ensemble.
The duet, ‘Perhaps Love’, featuring Cath Singleton on euphonium and Sue Sudworth on baritone was an excellent contrast with the elegant playing of the soloists complimented by the balanced ensemble.
Classic
Music from the old television classic ‘Thunderbirds’ was a great inclusion – and full of vibrancy, whilst the soprano cornet solo ‘Let Me Try Again’ featured the excellent Debbie Williams, who really made the hairs stand on the back of your neck.
Goff Richard’s clever ‘Hollywood!’ was an enjoyable selection of themes, played with careful appreciation of style and tempo, and provided the audience with an ideal closing item to the first half.
Contrasts
The first piece after the break was another favourite, ‘The Dambusters’ - normally sung and acted out by many after a night out, whilst ‘Don't Cry For Me Argentina’, featuring Colin Campbell on cornet was a lovely contrast.
The up tempo ‘Birdland’ was also contrasted with the hymn tune ‘Crimond’ in a brace that certainly highlighted the band’s ability to play in different genres, whilst ‘The Bare Necessities’, featuring Eb tuba John ‘Baloo’ Sudworth was a cracker – played perfectly and aided by some well timed humour too.
Overall quality
‘Chorale and Rock Out’ was an old favourite well dusted off, which segued neatly into the third test piece of the evening and ‘Firestorm’ by Stephen Bulla. This was performed with commitment, detail and a great deal of overall quality.
The encore of ‘Hootenanny’ proved to be just the right note to end a highly enjoyable evening.
Peter Elliott
