Otley Brass Band in World Premiere

Otley Brass Band are to perform the world premiere of a new cornet solo at their concert in Ilkley Parish church on Saturday 9^th of June.  The new piece- 'Chevin Chase, Rhapsody for Cornet and Brass Band' has been written by David Lancaster, the award winning composer and MD of nearby Harrogate Band.  

When Otley Brass Band discussed commissioning its own piece of music we instantly thought of something that would feature our principal cornet player Malcolm Sexton.  Malcolm is an amazingly talented musician who is a constant inspiration to all players in the band and we were delighted that we could celebrate his talents with this new commission.  We managed to keep the whole project secret from Malcolm until the piece was ready so it certainly came as a surprise when we presented him with the solo part a few weeks ago!

The piece has lots in it for the band too as the composer, David Lancaster, explained:  'I wanted to provide music that the soloist and band would enjoy and which will hopefully form a part of the band's repertoire, rather than just a 'one-off' event, and it had to be suitable for the wide range of concerts and performances which Otley band undertakes throughout the year; on the other hand I needed to make a solo that was original and distinctive and naturally didn't want to compromise my own compositional style.  Consequently the music is for the most part rhythmic and energetic, although the soloist does introduce some more lyrical moments.

 The band have really enjoyed rehearsing the music and are confident that the audience will enjoy it too.  As Otley Band's Musical Director Gordon Eddison commented "World Premieres are often very clichéd, this is different! Really good music, written well and played by a real artist, Malcolm Sexton is amazing, what a role model for all players"

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Pool Feast - Wharfedale & Airedale Observer 14/06/2007

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Otley Band in “Chase” Success

Otley Brass Band successfully performed the world premiere of a new cornet solo at their concert in Ilkley Parish church on Saturday 9^th June.  The new piece - 'Chevin Chase’ was written by David Lancaster, the award winning composer and Musical Director of nearby Harrogate Band.

World premieres usually cause some nerves and this one was no different with the band hoping that everything would run smoothly; even more so as the composer was listening closely. The piece certainly shows off Otley Bands skills in playing some challenging music with Malcolm Sexton the bands principal Cornet player showing off his outstanding playing. Malcolm commented “A superb piece of music, I feel really proud to have a piece of music commissioned for me. The band has rehearsed really hard to get the piece ready for tonight’s concert.”

The rest of the concert did not disappoint either, from classic brass band music including Impressario Overture and well known themes including “Reunion & Finale” from the film Gettysburg to a swash-buckling finale with Pirates of the Caribbean. A member of the audience commented “I have been to many of Otley Brass Bands concerts at the church, but without doubt this has to be the best. A varied selection of music played really well, I’d buy their CD if one was available.”  

Otley band will be playing at various locations throughout the summer including Pateley Bridge on 15^th July, Bolton Abbey Bank Holiday Fayre on 27^th August and a joint concert on November 17th with Guiseley Music Centre at Guiseley School, watch out for local press and advertising.

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