BPO offers a thrilling and diverse programme of brass ensemble music

The stars of the Brighton Philharmonic brass section take centre stage at Brighton Dome on Sunday, February 9 (2.45pm), as the BPO continues its popular Sunday afternoon series.
Brighton Philharmonic BrassBrighton Philharmonic Brass
Brighton Philharmonic Brass

In a concert that will appeal to lovers of classical as well as jazz, expect the unexpected with a fiery blend of everything from fanfares to fugues.

This exclusive line-up of four trumpets, four trombones, a French horn and a tuba puts these instruments in the spotlight and promises to produce a sound that will raise the roof of this iconic Brighton building.

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The concert opens with six Renaissance dances by Flemish composer Tylman Susato, visits the Baroque period with music from English composers William Byrd and Henry Purcell (whose Trumpet Tune and Air is a wedding staple), before fast forwarding to the 20th century when the English composer and arranger Chris Hazell wrote his jazzy, light-hearted Brass Cats suite, loosely based on the cats who shared his home at the time. The concert ends with five movements of the entertaining Divertimento by American composer Ray Premru, who was also principal bass trombone at the Philharmonia Orchestra for 30 years.

World-class BPO principal trombone player Lindsay Shilling, also principal trombone at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, says: “I find nothing more thrilling than the sound of a brass ensemble in full voice, and the programme of brass ensemble music we are going to play could not be more diverse.

“With a time span of over 300 years the audience will be treated to the sounds and majesty of St Mark’s Cathedral, Venice and early English processional music, through to the jazz influenced music of Chris Hazell and Ray Premru. Playing in so many different styles, from a player’s point of view, is a big challenge but an enjoyable one”

This exciting programme is inspired by the brass legend Philip Jones who founded the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble in the 1960s. Lindsay, a member of London Brass, the successor to the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, in which he also played, says the programme is “a nod to Philip”.

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John Elliott, playing Tuba, also reflects on this exciting programme: “Two pieces that stand out for me are Chris Hazell’s Brass Cats Suite, which is lovely listenable stuff, beautifully written, and the Jan Koetsier Symphony for Brass. Both pieces were originally written for the world-famous Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the level of virtuosity required is high.”

Tickets are available from Brighton Dome ticket office starting from £14.50, with a 50 percent discount for students and under 18s. There are £1 child tickets for kids accompanied by a full-price adult ticket holder.

Drop in to book over the counter, call 01273 709709 or book online at www.brightondome.org.

Ticket-holders for the concert can park for just £6 (between 1pm and 6pm) at NCP Church Street Car Park.

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