Chester's musical pursuit has been depicted so well that it is a feast to perform and to listen to this composition. In his typical manner Blackstone succeeds in transforming an apparently musical phenomenon into a valuable orchestral piece which is attractive to everyone.

It is true that tastes differ. Coffee has known a long history : it has been drunk since the 17th century. On one hand people drink coffee for relaxation on the other hand it is drunk to ward off tiredness or sleepiness. ‘Strong Coffee’ composed by Ron Gilmore works both ways. There will be people who will be able to relax during ‘Strong Coffee’ whereas others will experience it as a real boost. Is it a bit too strong after all such a funky Soul Beat? Then adding a little milk might help. As said before tastes differ!

As long as we can remember trumpets and percussion have been the instruments most closely associated with the army and its soldiers. Just think of the medieval herald who publicly proclaimed all the king's important announcements. This work opens with a festive fanfare which immediately calls for your attention. No tidings of disaster but a festive parade of soldiers passing by while whistling merrily. This idea was the composer's starting point when writing this cheerful little piece.

In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

Elegy for Band-The initial idea was for a millennium piece which it is but rather than add to the many celebratory pieces that have understandably been written to salute the 3rd millennium Philip Sparke thought it would perhaps be appropriate to think about the aspects of life that are constantly with us (such as faith and philosophy) rather than the exciting changes that the year 2000 has undeniably wrought. This calm meditative work will bring a moment of serenity and reflection to any concert.

Chester's musical pursuit has been depicted so well that it is a feast to perform and to listen to this composition. In his typical manner Blackstone succeeds in transforming an apparently musical phenomenon into a valuable orchestral piece which is attractive to everyone.

???Dutch Christmas Song??? is an arrangement of the old Dutch song ???Hoe leit dit Kindeke??? (Vlaanderen 1897). The tender almost fragile words have been movingly honoured by Timothy Travis. The addition of percussion gives this lovely Christmas song a modern touch.

George Michael has been in the pop charts for may years initially with the group Wham and later as a solo artist. Last Christmas was one of the last songs written whilst still in Wham and has now become a Christmas classic.

Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean ?Goodbye friends goodbye and see you again!?. The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement ?Variations on Shalom Chaverim?. The composer himself says about the song ?Although the melody is in a minor key the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye however also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add ?blue notes? in the harmonies this can be sensed immediately.?Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. ?Variations on Shalom Chaverim? ends on a cheerful and positive note in fast tempo and with oriental elements in the melody: ?L'hitra'ot Shalom? (See you again and farewell!).

For a long time John Rutter has been the composer of contemporary music for choirs. His Gloria is world-known and also his Nativity Carol is sung all around the world at Christmas time. A simple melody of great beauty accompanied by perfect chords get you in the true Christmas spirit.

The English King Henry VIII (1491-1547) is mainly remembered for disposing of his wives on a regular basis and breaking with the Catholic Church when the Pope Clement VII refused to grant him a divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. He was however a gifted athlete dancer and composer writing many songs poems and consort pieces (though not Greensleeves as is often believed). Pastime with Good Company is undoubtedly the best-known of these written in the first years of the 16th century while he was still a handsome prince newly married to Catherine of Aragon and the envy of Europe. The lyrics tell of the joys of hunting dancing and singing andwould have been sung as part of the court entertainment.

Performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film BREAKFAST AT TIFFANYS, Henry Mancinis iconic ballad has won numerous awards including the Oscar for Best Original Song and the Grammy for Record of the Year, and has been recorded by countless artists over the years. Arranged here as a solo for cornet, this finely crafted setting will certainly add a special moment to any concert.

The Ukrainian Bell Carol is part of a large choral work entitled Shchedryk by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych (1877-1921).The tune is an adaptation of an old 'shchedrivka' a song traditionally sung on Ukrainian New Year's Eve (January 13th) which hopes for good fortune in the year to come. The tune has since been the inspiration for at least four different Christmas carols of which Carol of the Bells is the most famous. Philip Sparke has sourced the original Ukrainian melody to create this stirring arrangement.