The Musical Director had chosen a Celtic Theme for this Concert, with most of the Titles featuring music identified with Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Strathcarron-Sword Dance, one of seven Movements from Hymn of the Highlands, opened the Concert to an audience, mainly Seniors, of about one hundred. Erin Shore, a well-known Irish folk song followed, with the first bars featuring the solo cornet, then sections of the band repeating the lyrical phrases, leading to a crescendo with percussion dominant and finishing quietly with a return to the lyrical phrases. The pace quickened with a vengeance as highlights from Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance continued the program. Celtic Crosses date back to the 12th century. The oldest stone Celtic Cross in Ireland is probably in Cardonagh, Donegal. The Old Celtic Cross was an appropriate inclusion,
Men of Harlech, a March, has a traditional arrangement by Gordon Langford, but the “upbeat and almost jazz” arrangement by Gareth Wood and commissioned by Cory Band, was chosen for this Concert. It certainly provided a “wake up call” for the audience and was well-received.
The Hymn, Lord of All Hopefulness followed, chosen because it is based upon an Irish melody. The 1946 popular French song La Mer (Beyond the Sea) was an “easy listening choice” with a Welsh connection, as this arrangement was by Phillip Harper, Musical Director of the Welsh Cory Band, The Irish Blessing, with its simple, yet powerful lyrics included in the audience program, had a calming effect, prior to the first half concluding with the rousing and well- known Sousa March, The Stars and Stripes Forever.
Celtic Dance provided a lively start to the second half. Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone), a composition by Salvationist William Himes, followed. Principal Trombonist Joe Sandy then featured as the Soloist in the Ben Hollings arrangement of First Light, a slow liltingmelody meant to create images of a tranquil night before reaching a climactic moment representing beams of light emerging as the sun rises, then returning to a tranquil finish. Joe and the Band were greeted with prolonged applause by the audience at its conclusion.
In 1980, Chris Hazell wrote a Suite called Three Brass Cats. The cats were Mr. Tums, Borage and Black Sam. Mr. Tums was the choice today and the audience were delighted with Alan Catherall’s arrangement.
The Band then presented the well-known Welsh folk song and Hymn Av Hyd y Nos (All Through the Night). Lyrics were provided for the audience to complement the performance.
Scotland was now revisited, with the highlight of the second half being provided by guest artist Justin Eade, Pipe Major of the Lake Macquarie PCYC Pipes and Drums. Justin featured in the last two numbers – the well-known Loch Lomond, with its origin dating back to the eighteenth century and Hector The Hero, a lament written in 1903 for Scottish Major General Hector McDonald who sadly took his own life. The sound of the bagpipes enhanced the performance of both numbers.
The Band was applauded by an appreciative audience at the conclusion of the Concert and were rewarded with an encore – a Neil Diamond Medley.
Cardiff Brass acknowledges and thanks Lake Macquarie City Council for providing financial sponsorship in support of the Concert. Brass band music continues as a component of the musical culture of this City.
Allan Shaw
Life member
Cardiff Brass
Cardiff Brass 
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