Daren Hawken, conductor and teacher, reviews the Cornish Youth Brass Band's Diamond Jubilee concert conducted by Michael Fowles with guest soloist David Thornton.

The UK’s oldest county youth band, the Cornwall Youth Brass Band (CYBB), spent from 27-30 December 2015 rehearsing and studying under the baton of its guest conductor, Michael Fowles and with guest euphonium soloist, David Thornton.

The band, founded in 1955 and so celebrating its 60th and diamond anniversary in 2015, has numbered many players amongst its ranks, who have gone on to be well-known musicians and composers including current member, 19-year-old Daniel Hall, who was recently appointed Young Composer-in-Residence by Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Aged between ten and 21, all CYBB musicians also play with a local brass band and devote many extra hours to their membership of the CYBB, rehearsing monthly with their team of local conductors and tutors in preparation for the twice-yearly residential courses at Truro High School for Girls.

Each course culminates with a much-anticipated and well-supported public concert, and so it was that I also found myself eagerly anticipating the CYBB’s Christmas concert, which drew its 60th anniversary year to a close on a high. It was a night during which the band was on fine form under the baton of the ever popular Michael Fowles, the audience was mesmerised by the calibre of brass playing on show from the talented musicians in the county, and also enjoyed a varied and entertaining programme of music ranging from Malcolm Arnold’s Little Suite for
Brass No. 2 to Dimitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture.

Demonstrating maturity, the band played with such charm, style and panache, clearly enjoying every minute. Musically, the CYBB showed great dynamic contrast, whilst also capturing many magical musical moments with textural brilliance.

Guest euphonium soloist, David Thornton, on breathtaking form, staggered the audience and players alike by playing Meechan’s Origins (Concerto for Euphonium), the ever-popular Czardas, and Phillips’ lyrical and beautiful In Christ Alone.

Yet another highlight was a quite remarkable performance of Peter Graham’s Cry of the Celts, during which many of the band’s soloists played with such professionalism and sheer musicality. Their delivery oozed confidence and a sense of purpose.

After a rapturous applause and a standing ovation, the band chose Malcolm Arnold’s The Padstow Lifeboat to end in rousing style. This county youth band is certainly thriving and is a credit to the brass band movement.

For more reviews, news, features and interviews subscribe to BBW Digital here.

Photo: CYBB in rehearsal with Michael Fowles and euphonium soloist Davd Thornton