A fundraising concert in Cowes by Abbey Brass will include the world premiere of a new composition about life on the Isle of Wight.
Island Life has been written by the band’s composer-in-residence Mary Lillington and will be performed during the band’s concert at Trinity Theatre, Cowes on 28th September 2024.
The ten-minute descriptive work depicts several features of the Island, from sunrise on Tennyson Down to carnivals, sunsets and seascapes.
Littlemore: Mary has a knack for writing lovely melodies
Abbey Brass musical director Phillip Littlemore said the band was looking forward to performing Island Life for the first time in public.
“It’s a wonderful piece from a burgeoning young composer, which I think captures the essence of life on the Island.
“Mary has a knack for writing lovely melodies from the opening sunrise at the start, to the closing sunset – there are some fairly rousing elements too!
“We have drafted in extra percussion players to cover all the parts which include timpani, tam-tam (a big gong), wind chimes and even a vibraphone.
“It should prove to be an exciting addition to the band repertoire and I’m sure the audience will enjoy it.”
The band’s first composer-in-residence
Mary, a former Ryde School pupil now studying music at Cardiff University, was appointed the band’s first composer-in-residence in March.
The rest of the programme includes music from the classical and pop repertoire alongside film and Broadway numbers. A number of soloists will also feature.
Where and when
Admission is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the theatre’s appeal to fund much-needed repairs to its roof. Curtain up is at 7.30pm.
News shared by Simon Smith on behalf of Abbey Brass. Ed
