Wirral Life October 2016 | Page 13

ROYAL MARINES MASSED BANDS PREPARE WORLD-CLASS RETURN TO LIVERPOOL AFTER 15 YEARS The Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines are set to make a triumphant return to Liverpool this October, debuting their famous Mountbatten Festival-inspired show, more than 15 years after they last played the city. “The programme of music is based on our very successful Mountbatten Festival of Music that we perform every year in London’s Royal Albert Hall. Liverpool has such a proud musical heritage as well as an enduring relationship with the Naval Servic e and I know that everyone who attends the concert is in for a very special evening.” The Massed Bands – comprised of over 100 musicians from six nationwide bands – will demonstrate their outstanding precision and versatility when they perform at the world-class Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Saturday 29 October, backed by spectacular lighting and big screen imagery. The opening sequence of the concert will feature the worldrenowned Royal Marines Corps of Drums with spectacular fanfares, military marches and their breath-taking Drum Display. They will be joined by special guests which include the city’s very own Danielle Thomas, a mezzo soprano who will perform Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, and legendary broadcaster and Classic FM presenter John Suchet, who will host the concert. “I am delighted to be presenting this exciting concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall with this world famous Band,” says Suchet. “I have worked with the Royal Marines for many years now and I am always amazed at their musical virtuosity and versatility. There aren’t many concerts where, on the same programme, you can enjoy the music of Edward Elgar and Michael Jackson, but it works. The audiences, young and old, absolutely love it and come back year after year”. All profits from the concert will be donated to The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the principal and chosen charity of the Naval Service, a fundraising and grantmaking charity whose aim it is to support sailors, marines, and their families, for life. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace OBE, Principal Director of Music Royal Marines comments: “I am delighted to be bringing the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines to perform in Liverpool for the first time in over fifteen years. THE PROGRAMME The exciting new overture Amphibiosity by Martin Ellerby brings the opening sequence to a conclusion before the wonderful Royal Marines soloists take centre stage with a stunning violin and clarinet duet and a trombone feature. The second half commences with music from the movies in Symphonic Animation featuring great themes from all the Pixar blockbusters. The percussionists then take centre stage with a lively rendition of Billy Joel’s Root Beer Rag played on two xylophones. The concert finale brings all the performers to the fore firstly with a moving tribute to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland. Using archive footage, Remembering Jutland tells the story, in words and music, of the important First World War sea battle and is a fitting tribute to all the people who made the ultimate sacrifice. The concert concludes with all the pomp and pageantry that you would expect from a Royal Marines Band concert with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory which will once again feature Liverpool’s very own, Danielle Thomas. TICKETS & FURTHER INFORMATION Tickets are priced £15-£25 and are available now from liverpoolphil.com. wirrallife.com 13