In aid of The Albie Sugden Foundation
Conductors: Ryan Watkins & Michael Bach
Dewsbury Minster
Saturday 30th May

A memorable visit by Brassband Burgermusik Luzern to the Whit Friday contests was one marked by excellence and friendship. 

Proudly marching behind their flag, Michael Bach’s impressive ensemble displayed their elite level musical talents in Saddleworth and Tameside, whilst also acting as unofficial Swiss confectionary ambassadors with his children handing out tasty chocolates to the crowds.

The applause that greeted them at Dewsbury Abbey was therefore equally welcoming  both before and after they performed their half of entertainment that helped raise over £1,600 for the worthiest of causes.

Showcase display

It was a showcase display; the vibrant 'Bundesrat Gnagi March',  followed by 'Dance Fever'  and 'Balkan Moods'.   There was variety to go with the versatility; the tender ‘The Lonely Maid' contrasting with the fun of Lucy Pankhurst's 'Fake News Party at Montemarte'.

The MDs acoustic appreciation ensured the dynamic balance never lost, the warm tonal quality always cleanly edged. 

The MDs acoustic appreciation ensured the dynamic balance never lost, the warm tonal quality always cleanly edged.  Their trombone soloist Tobias Lang (making his farewell appearance with the band) delivered a superb 'Tango for Joe',  before more fun came with ‘Riverdance’  and the yodelling inspired encore 'Toggenburger Grusli'.

Cleanly tailored

Their hosts had also enjoyed a memorable Whit Friday, with a trio of victories helping Hepworth to end third overall in Saddleworth, adding close to £5,000 to their coffers for the major championship challenges ahead.

A reprise of 'The Wizard'  was a neatly tailored reminder of their march playing excellence, but so too was their ability to contrast the Serbo-Russian bombast of 'March Slav'  against the  reflective 'Water of Tyne'  and composed 'In the Stone'.

'Procession to the Minster',  which very nearly shattered a pane or two of the stained-glass windows of the 13th century church.

Principal cornet Oliver Tattersall showed maturity in 'Don't Doubt Him Now'  whilst ‘older hand’ Dave Hebb enjoyed himself on 'Bare Necessities'.  The upbeat version of 'Toccata & Fugue in D Minor'  brought their solo contribution to a rousing close.

The MDs shared the duties for the massed band items of 'William Tell', 'MacArthur Park', ‘'Irish Blessing' (dedicated in memory of Albie Sugden) and 'Procession to the Minster',  which very nearly shattered a pane or two of the stained-glass windows of the 13th century church.

It would have been a price worth paying after a fine night.  

Malcolm Wood