The Bournemouth and District Concert Band performed their autumn concert on Saturday 12 October at St Thomas’ Church, Ensbury Park, Bournemouth.
The group was founded 30 years ago as a school and community band but since then has evolved into a semi-professional ensemble under their new conductor Simon Nicholls.
The fifty-strong ensemble of brass, woodwind and percussion performed a selection of pieces which were drawn from across four centuries. J S Bach’s Toccata delivered a finale to the programme which began with a powerful theme from the modern popular video game, Civilisation VI. The saxophone, flute and clarinet solos were the ones that stood out most from the full ensemble.
Despite the rain, over a hundred people filled the church to watch the performance, with many clapping along to the music. The evening was a courtesy of Rev Simon Evans and his team of refreshment providers.
There was a musical hint to Halloween with references to ghosts, beasts and phantoms. A young actor prefaced ‘Phantom of the Opera’ which was accompanied by the dramatic effects of screams to grip the audience.
A range of items were used to create a whirlwind of moods and emotions which included powerful bouncy numbers contrasted with mournful and reflective compositions. One minute you were in the warmth of a Parisian nightclub, the next you were transported to a bleak Scottish mountain gathering flowers in memory of a deceased child.
The BDCB has played at many venues, ranging from large concert halls to sectional group busking for charity in shopping malls. They’ve also performed in countless churches, schools, bandstands and parish halls.
The band will next be performing at Highcliffe Castle at 7:30pm on December 4th for a relaxed introduction to the Christmas season.
Click here to find more details of their future appearances.