First Concert of New Season Hailed as Big Success
by Brian Murphy
Drogheda Brass Band members were still on a high this week following the successful launch of their new concert series in St Peter's Church of Ireland with guest artists Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir recently.
Many regular followers of the band enthused that it was without doubt the best concert they had ever been at with the band, and the choir were described by many as "amazing" and "up-lifting".
The Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir.
Drogheda Brass Band kicked off the evening, under their conductor Michael Maher, with a stunning performance of "Fanfare and Soliloquy" before making their guests feel at home with a performance of "Pastorale", which is based on a Welsh folk tune.
Young Stephen Murray, about to sit his Leaving Cert exams, then enthralled those present with a brilliant rendition of the traditional cornet solo "My Old Kentucky Home". In fact, the choir were so impressed they were even roaring their approval from the aisles!
The first part of the concert finished with an arrangement of the hymn "Nicaea", called "Holy, Holy, Holy", with Michael Maher describing the piece and very apt for the surroundings, followed by a symphonic study for brass band, "Dimensions".
Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir then took to the stage under the baton of Keith Young and they began with Rachie, a Welsh hymn that they sang in Welsh. "Goin' Home" from Dvorak's "New World Symphony" was a popular number that the crowd recognised from TV adverts.
"Song of the Jolly Roger" kept the crowd thoroughly entertained before "Sunset Poem". Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Love Changes Everything" was followed by Schubert's "Sanctus".
Next up were a couple of spiritual songs, "Nkosi Sikelel i Afrika", which now forms part of the South African national anthem and "Where Shall I Be". "Slaves Chorus" from the opera "Nabucco" preceded an exciting version of "Rhythm of Life" before the finale, another Welsh hymn, "Gwahoddiad".
The crowd were cheering for more as the choir re-took their seats, as Keith Young thanked the audience and the band for their invitation to sing in such wonderful surroundings at St Peter's Church of Ireland.
The band finished the concert off with the march "Wearing of the Green", "All Through the Night", Eb bass solo "Largo al Factotum", "Mr. Jums", "Life on Mars" and a terrific finishing piece called "Swingin' Kilts", a swing arrangement of "Scotland the Brave".
The band would like to thank Drogheda Borough Council Arts Office for their support and all at St Peter's Church of Ireland for their hospitality and friendliness.
The band return to the venue in July for their second concert, with guests Archie Hutchison and Alan Bourne for the finale of their annual Summer Sounds week. Tickets are still available for this concert and anyone interested should contact any member of the band.