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• A year of Progress
• Review: Nottingham Symphonic Winds, Lakeside Arts Centre

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• Harlequin Brass Ensemble
• Leeds College of Music Wind Ensemble
• National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain
• Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra
• Phoenix Concert Band
• Yorkshire Wind Orchestra

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The Yorkshire Wind Orchestra yet again produced a concert full of variety and beauty, on this occasion in the historic Square Chapel, enhanced by a backdrop of bleak hills surrounding Halifax.

They opened with a dignified and mature performance of Vaughan Williams' Folk Song Suite, which fitted perfectly with the surrounding industrial architecture, and ever changeable weather. This was followed by a dreamy delivery of Kenneth Heskeths' Danceries demonstrating the outstanding range of colours and tone this group can produce, flowing seamlessly between airy and florid woodwinds to the sheer magnificence and power of the lower brass.

Other highlights included Grainger's witty Lincolnshire Posy, depicting an intricate web of contrapuntal interjections that left members of the audience gasping in delight. David Bedford's minimalist Sun Paints Rainbows on the Vast Waves was well delivered with clarity and drive, although it might have benefited further from a more generous acoustic.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, expertly conducted by Keiron Anderson with his usual mix of insight and humour. A tremendous range of repertoire, maturely and thoughtfully delivered.

Review by Dave Joyce