Milnrow Band compete in the British Open Championships

Photo: Goldy Solutions

Milnrow Band compete at the British Open Championships

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Milnrow Band competed in the British Open Championships and proved its worth as a Championship Section competitor against elite bands from across the UK, plus one from Willebroek (Belguim) and also Wellington Brass from (New Zealand).

Drawn to play at number 17 out of a total of 19 bands, Milnrow eventually took to the stage at around 5.00pm under the direction of Musical Director Mark Bentham and made a fine start to the very difficult test piece 'Triumph of Time' by Peter Graham.

The music was originally commissioned by Black Dyke and a previous European test piece by the composer, 'The Essence of Time' was used as a model as he sought to recapture the youthful energy and vitality of that earlier work.

Before Milnrow appeared on stage, the audience was treated to 16 performances of 'Triumph of Time'. all sounding very similar to the average listener but no doubt the adjudicators (and some of the audience who were engrossed in a purchased 'score') were being more critical.

This test piece must be rated as one of the most difficult to date, comprising as it does of fast and furious finger gymnastics from all sections interspersed with slow melodic lines.

Throughout the piece there were numerous difficult solo passages to be negotiated by members of each section.

Preceded by Black Dyke playing at 15 (placed third) and superseded by Cory (the eventual winners at 18) it was perceived and then realised that Milnrow were 'truly among' the greats.

After such a fine controlled rendition of 'Triumph of Time' and such a great result, all members of Milnrow Band and every soloist must be commended for providing such a magnificent performance against, and beating such formidable opposition.

Ken Watts, Band President said: “Whilst being thrilled to bits with the band's performance, I am taking the easy option in not naming anyone in particular."     

“Well done Milnrow Band for your fine result in the British Open.”