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Fodens visit Brussels

On Saturday 29^th September the Fodens Richardson band took part in ‘A Night of Brass’ at the Palais des Beaux Arts in the centre of Brussels, featuring themselves and the current European champions, Brass Band Wilebrook.

Wilebrook and Franz Violet took to the stage for the first half of the concert performing mostly original works for brass band including the all time classic ‘Labour and Love’ as well as Paul Lovett-Cooper’s high impact concert opener, ‘Horizons’.  The audience, clearly thrilled with the programme and standard of playjng were also treated to a performance of Elgar Variations, set piece of this years European.

Fodens, who arrived in Brussels for a rehearsal hours earlier occupied the stage for the second half of the concert conducted by resident musical director, Gary E Cutt.  A mixed programme of new arrangements, classic works and original pieces for band were all on offer here with the band capturing the hall immediately playing Agincort song followed by the high tempo Valero.

Star flugel player Helen fox was featured playing a wonderful interpretation of Hogey Charmicheal’s, ‘Georgia on my Mind’.  Tuba virtuoso Les Neish was also featured in Rodney Newtons ‘Badinage’. 

Following a rousing version of the classic finisher ‘Procession to the Minster’, arranged by former Fodens MD Howard Snell, the bands joined together and played ‘Reunion and Finale’ from Gettysburg. As if this wasn’t enough to shake the foundations to crumbling point, the massed bands tackled one more piece before leaving the hall to enjoy a night in Brussels.  Verdi’s Overture to ‘La Forza del Destino’ enthralled the audience from the very first blows of fate to the exhilarating final Eb major arpeggios and the audience left the building not before all getting on their feet to give both bands a well deserved standing ovation.

Fodens would like to thank the organisers for their wonderful hospitality throughout and thank Brass Band Wilebrook, along with their conductor, Franz Violet, for giving us the opportunity to share what was, a fantastic concert.