The last concert of the 2010-2011 season proved a fitting finale to a satisfying year for the Society. The locally based Premiere Brass Quintet featuring Gavin Wells and Mike Daniels, trumpets, Stephen MacAllister, French horn, Garfield Austin, trombone and David Hudson, tuba, treated the audience to a wide-ranging programme spanning three hundred years of music.

Eric Ewazen’s four minute "Grand Valley Fanfare" got the evening off to a rousing start. An arrangement of Corelli’s "Concerto Grosso No. 10" proved highly successful. Superb articulation and secure intonation meant that the spirit of the string-based original was kept intact.

Music from "Titanic" received evident affection, with the varying moods well captured. A Tango by Piazolla was played with great zest and firm rhythm.

After the interval a swinging version of the traditional Gospel Hymn "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" was given added point by the players as they marched solemnly from foyer to stage in the fashion of a New Orleans funeral procession. A medley of tunes from many of MGM’s famous films including such favourites as "Over the Rainbow", "The Trolley Song" and "Singing in the Rain" was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, with a tuba solo truly memorable.

Three classic quintets by Duke Ellington were given an incisive interpretation and a nostalgic arrangement of "Fly me to the Moon" brought the main concert to a fitting end. A Fats Waller encore was both an unexpected bonus and a real pleasure.

The AGM will take place on 7 June 2011 at 7.30 pm in the Charter Suite of the Town Hall. All are welcome.

Gerry Philp 24 May 2011