Billtown Brass to perform April 15 at St. Mark’s Lutheran
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Members of the Billtown Brass are seen performing.
WILLIAMSPORT -- Billtown Brass Fan favorites from the 22-year history of the Billtown Brass Band all in one concert on Saturday, April 15, at 5 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 142 Market St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Twenty-two years ago, the Williamsport Symphony's Billtown Brass Band started as a request for entertainment for a local end of season celebration. Since then, Billtown has grown to be an ensemble with a regional reputation of excellence that performs a broad range of audience friendly music. This concert is an opportunity to bring back many of the most popular selections in our library.
The 5 p.m. concert at St. Mark's Lutheran Church represents the culmination of its first full season of performances. Billtown Brass have chosen many of its most popular selections from past years, with a special emphasis on selections that showcase all that makes Billtown Brass a unique concert experience.
The music chosen provides insight into the depth and range of the traditional British style brass band, from the lyric "Hymn for Diana" to the fanciful "A Disney Fantasy" ("Zip a Dee Doo Dah," "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf," "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious").
The concert begins with "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Sugar Blues," featuring Dave Bailey cornet soloist, and "The Lost Chord" by Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, with Sam Robinson as guest organist. The organ at St. Mark's is one of the finest in the city and Sam is a master organist.
A highlight of the program is the Irish inspired Gaelforce. The piece challenges the fingers of everyone on the stage, while bringing a smile to listeners in the audience. Rounding out the program is Gustav Holst's Second Suite in F Major, a band masterpiece. It includes a march, a blacksmith anvil solo and a lively gigue.
At an hour in length the concert is perfect family fare. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students, available at the door.
Special thanks to sponsors Mary L. Welch, Billtown Brass season sponsor and EQT Foundation, concert sponsor.
For more information, please contact the WSO office at 570-322-0227 or email hjabbour@williasmportsymphony.org.