Brass band welcomes special guests

The Mission Hill Brass is one of the youngest mainstream bands in the area. In its five-year history, it has attracted some extremely proficient players. Its edgy repertoire is layered with dynamic music.

Musical director A. Daniel Skepple has cobbled together one of the season’s highlight concerts where the 27-piece British-style brass band struts its finest at the Winspear Centre on Thursday, April 8.

Diversity is key to this concert and the musical flavours are tempered by the variety of guests. They are the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton, a choral group of 25 years; Russell Gilmour, an up-and-coming British trumpet player with a special interest in period instruments and soprano Catherine Abele, newly returned from the University of Cincinnati.

Hosting this two-hour concert of traditional and contemporary talent is the multi-talented David Haas, now retired from the military with several decades of hosting experience to his name. And the incomparable Jeremy Spurgeon accompanies on piano and organ.

“This is going to be a fabulous evening. It’s a great opportunity to see amateur music at its best. We play a full complement of young and mature music, and we’re tapping into one of the most followed Edmonton choirs, a fabulous singer and trumpet player,” says the clearly enthusiastic Skepple.

The brass band, with nine St. Albert musicians, revs up with a range of contemporary music from Everything is Coming Up Roses and Imperial March to Hymn for Diana and My Name is Bond.

The robust Ukrainian Male Chorus, under the baton of Orest Soltykevych, turn to the sacred singing an a cappella version of The Lord’s Prayer and Sacred Concerto No. 9.1/This Day.

Perhaps the most anticipated act is Gilmour’s Haydn Trumpet Concerto. “It’s the most famous concerto in the world. It’s a standard for most trumpet players in the world.”

Perhaps what is unique to this Manchester-based fourth year student at Royal Northern College of Music is his interest in the natural trumpet, an early instrument that was limited in its notes and required a great virtuosic ability.

And finally Abele will sing Handel’s Let the Bright Seraphim. “ She has a superior voice. Edmonton is her home and she’s come back to a great community of music and it’s great to give her the opportunity.

For more information visit www.missionhillbrass.ca.