Tuesday 2^nd July - 11.30
Brown Shipley Concert Hall

ITG 2002 Conference - Opening Concert
Great Northern Brass

Jim Bovinette, Reporter
The opening concert this year was something that one truly had to experience to fully appreciate. The Royal Northern College of Music trumpet ensemble and the Great Northern Brass is comprised of solid performers that presented a truly exceptional treat to the audience.

Edward Gregson

Following the fanfare, in his opening remarks, Edward Gregson, Principal of the R.N.C.M, not only welcomed the delegates attending the conference, but provided a short musical history of Manchester. Professor Gregson, a noteworthy composer of trumpet music, provided the audience with his views of the trumpet. He stated that the trumpet is a noble, exhilarating, and life affirming instrument. He went on to say that composers such as Mahler, Strauss, and Mussourgsky had a deep understanding of these traits found in the sound of the trumpet and reflected it in their music.

After Edward Gregson's remarks, the Great Northern Brass, comprised of the brass faculty of the RNCM. (Murry Greig & John Miller, trumpets; Roger Webster, cornet; Robert Ashworth, horn; Chris Houlding, trombone; and James Gourlay, tuba) performed the original version of Böhme's Sextet. The four movement work was performed with beautiful tone, tight ensemble, and remarkable accuracy. Especially noteworthy was the exceptional detail and attention given to phrasing.

Vince DiMartino

Preceding remarks by the president of the ITG, the RNCM trumpet ensemble (Will Palmer, Jamie Prophet, Dave Hooper, Russel Bennett) presented a stunning performance of Fanfare "From the Four Corners," by Tippett.

Murray Greig

The high E-flat playing and the tight ensemble presented, despite a separation by more than fifty feet by members of the group, was impressive. Following DiMartino's speech, the trumpet ensemble presented Fanfare For Lowry by Peter Maxwell Davies. Performers included; Simon Menin, Thomas Hylgaard, Jamie Prophet, Matthew Verril, Thomas Osborne, and Dave Hooper.

Before the final selection of the concert, Murray Greig, the ITG 2002 Conference Host offered a special welcome to the artists, ensembles, bands, and delegates attending this years conference. Professor Greig offered a special thanks to Philip Biggs who has been instrumental in the organisation of this year's conference.

The concert closed with Music from Henry Vth by William Walton, arranged by Ted Watson. The work was presented by an expanded Great Northern Brass Ensemble consisting of both faculty and students, and consisted of 21 brass and percussion conducted by James Gourlay and narrated by Craig Steele. No attempt by this writer will adequately describe the power and intensity of this fine ensemble, however this report would be incomplete if I failed to say that those who could not attend this conference should make every effort in the future to hear this group perform. Without a doubt these players exhibit exceptional intonation, intrinsic musicality, and beautiful attention to detail, an obvious indication of their excellent training.