23 years almost to the day after the first rehearsal of a small local wind band, the Dark Peak Concert Band has received the top honour of being invited to perform in the Music for Youth Proms on the most famous stage in the world, London's Royal Albert Hall
Music for Youth Proms
The Music for Youth Proms are the UK's most prestigious concert showcase for young musicians, featuring the top youth bands, orchestras, jazz bands and choirs in the country. The Dark Peak Concert Band won the coveted opportunity following regional auditions and an invitation to play in the Music for Youth National Final in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in July. The accolade places the group amongst the country’s leading youth wind bands.
Once in a life-time
The 70-strong ensemble played Malcolm Binney's spectacular show-piece for wind orchestra "Charivari" , receiving outstanding comments from the mentors and to our amazement the news that we were one of just two wind bands selected nationally to play in the Proms. The surprise announcement came at the end of August just before the start of term.
This once in a life-time experience was an amazing adventure for all our young players who gave it their all with an outstanding performance of two movements from "Charivari". Playing in the most iconic concert hall in the world, a stage which has hosted all the of the musical greats of the past 150 years, and to play for an audience of over 5000 people was a breath-taking experience which will live with all of us for a very long time.
A DVD of the performance is available from Black Swan videos at Shop | Black Swan (bsfv.co.uk)
