Gala Concert to celebrate Centenary

This year Northampton Concert Band are celebrating our centenary. Formed in 1919 by a group of ex-servicemen who wished to continue their musical interests in civilian life. The band was originally called the Northamptonshire Comrades of the Great War and were locally known as the 'Merry Comrades Band'. In 1976 the name was changed to the Northampton Concert Band to reflect the increase in membership of younger musicians and the wider repertoire of music played.

Today the band is stronger than ever with over 50 members under the baton of local maestro Graham Tear (64), who has been an educator of music in Northampton for all his adult life. 

To celebrate this milestone we are performing a concert of music that reflects our musical history. 

Graham Tear said, "The band has so much music in its library it was difficult to decide which items to include. We've all had a say in what we should play. Some choices reflect the eras of the band under different conductors and their favourite pieces. My personal choice is 'Thames Journey' by Nigel Hess, which was one of the first items I purchased for the band when I took over the batton in 2015."

As well as performing famous band pieces, like the 'Dam Busters March', we have also commissioned a new piece for our centenary by Daniel Basford. Entitled 'A Northampton Prelude', the piece will have its world premiere at the Gala Concert on the 23rd March.

The evening will be compered by BBC Radio Northampton's Anna Murby at Abington Avenue United Reformed Church at 7:30pm on Saturday 23rd March. Visit our Tickets page for more information and to get your tickets.