Proms 2013

A NIGHT AT THE PROMS - 2ND FEBRUARY 2013

Scheduled for Saturday 19th January the annual “Proms Night” was, for the first time in it’s history, postponed due to snow. Despite it’s typical January window the weather had always been kind but with three days of heavy snow preceding the concert it was decided it would preferable to postpone and to ensure people’s safety. So it was with a hint of nervousness that the band arrived at Birmingham Citadel to see just how many people could still come to the rearranged date two weeks later. We were not disappointed as the hall was filled to capacity. One of those gathered, Gaynor Sharman, gives us a snapshot of the evening of fun, great music and plenty of flag-waving!

Gaynor Sharman writes:

As soon as John Williams’ Olympic theme started we knew we were in for a treat. The Fanfare echoed through the appreciative audience, introducing the evening’s theme “What’s the Score”. Roy Richley ably compered throughout the programme, leading us with humour and an insight to each of the Bands offerings.

‘Blaydon Races’ saw euphonium soloist David Taylor gallop away with Gordon Langford’s arrangement. A slightly leaner Pavarotti, in the form of Mark Sharman, took us back to the World Cup of Italia 90 with a rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’.

Next came Delyth Taylor, recently married to David, making her debut at the Proms as clarinet soloist. Indeed, this was the first time at a Proms evening that an instrumentalist has been featured. Her exquisite playing in ‘Victorian Kitchen Garden’, by Paul Reade, delighted the audience. A mention must also be made of James Ellis’s sensitive piano accompaniment. Delyth’s musicality shone in her interpretation of the flugel solo, ‘So Glad’ which was accompanied by the Band.

The sporting theme of the first half came to an end with Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough’s arrangement, ‘Sports Medley’. The children appeared at the changes of melody during the piece dressed as sporting and Olympic heroes. Very entertaining!

The second half brought us the traditional fayre that we have come to expect, with the Band in typical, brilliant form. They performed the ‘Fantasia on British Sea Songs’, with the Band trying to outpace the audience during the Hornpipe! ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ and ‘Rule Britannia’ followed. Stephanie Lamplough sang gloriously as we joined in and waved our flags.

The 2013 Proms came to an end with the Bramwell Coles March, ‘Under Two Flags’.

May this event long continue- thank you Band.