From the majestic opening notes of the James Maynard ‘Fanfare’, audience members at the final concert of the season on Wednesday 2nd April were transported to another level. The stunning brass sound reverberated around Trinity Sanctuary, as the piece reached a crescendo. In a matter of just a few minutes, the five young men, who comprise the Phoenix Brass Quintet, dramatically demonstrated their well honed musical skills and superb professionalism.
Thereafter, in a very different mood, each of six verses, drawn from E.A. Housman’s ‘A Shropshire Lad’, were read by a member of the quintet, followed by music composed by George Butterworth.
Then, it was all change again, as seven of the big hits from Leonard Bernstein’s ‘West Side Story’ had everyones feet tapping with the songs and words of this ever popular musical, leading up to a well earned interval.
From the melodies of Leonard Bernstein, the second half included church music from Johann Sebastian Bach and Anton Bruckner. Followed by six items from Henry Purcell’s ‘Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary’. The final item of religious music was by Samuel Sebastian Wesley ‘Blessed Be the God and Father’. For an encore, the Quintet played an arrangement by one of their group, of the British romantic song ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square’. A magical last night to Clitheroe Concerts Society’s 73rd season.
The Phoenix Brass Quintet with Clitheroe Mayor Cl. Donna O’Rourke and her consort Cl. Simon O’Rourke after the performance.