Departing from Platform One

The University Concert Band gave the première performance of James Rae’s Platform One to an enthusiastic reception, in the first of two appearances at the Gala opening weekend.

A packed Colyer-Fergusson concert-hall greeted conductor Ian Swatman and the composer himself with extended applause after the première on Saturday afternoon, and again on Sunday night after the second concert as part of the Gala celebrations.

All aboard at Platform One…

After an heraldic fanfare-like opening, there was musical activity aplenty to follow, highlighting the skills of the whole ensemble, concluding with a return to the opening idea, which, as the composer indicated in the programme notes, was ‘designed to evoke the spirit of a grand occasion:’ which it certainly did!

Full steam ahead with conductor Ian Swatman

Following the Saturday performance, audience members were then invited to tour the building, and to listen to Ian leading the ensemble in an open rehearsal.

See more images from the Concert Band’s performance, and other photos from the Gala weekend, on our dedicated Pinterest board here.

Bravo to all the performers; next term sees both the Concert and Big Bands in their own concert in March. Stay tuned…

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