RNCM celebrate Philip Jones

Written By: David Read Comments: 0

Norwegian composer Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen and the legacy of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble are the focus of this January's RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester. The annual festival is one of the few times top brass bands play full programmes of substantial music and the events feature several premières.

The weekend starts on Friday 22 January with the world première of his composition Euphonium Concerto will be by The Black Dyke Band (Friday, 7.45pm). The RNCM Brass Band & Brass Ensemble will perform the UK premières of Aagaard-Nilsen's Dampsanger and Emmy Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton’s Fanfares, Marches, Hymns and Finale in their concert on Sunday at 11.30am. There is also a chance to hear Aagaard-Nilsen in conversation with artistic director Paul Hindmarsh on Saturday at 6.30pm before Foden’s Band perform the UK première of Chant in the evening concert at 7.30pm.

A day-long tribute to Philip Jones, in the 10th anniversary year of his death, starts at 10.15am on Sunday 24 January with a performance of a selection of his favourite works, including Malcolm Arnold’s Quintet No 1. Celebration fanfares, specially composed in memory of Philip Jones, will be performed as a prelude to each of the main events.

Full programme details are available at www.rncm.ac.uk

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