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2000 Gala Concert
The 30th anniversary concert of Manx Concert Brass and the Manx Youth Band
at the Villa Marina on Sunday was 'only a whisker away from being completely full'. Chief
Minister Donald Gelling and his wife were present, with Mayor of Douglas Doreen Kinrade and
mayoress Patricia Kinrade.
The press officer for the bands, Malcolm Magee,
said the musicians were delighted with the support shown. He paid tribute to the continued
support of the Royal Bank of Scotland (International) and other sponsors.
'A big thank you must go to the public of the Isle of Man for supporting the bands in their
efforts to entertain' he added. 'The Villa Marina was only a whisker away from being completely
full, which really added to the atmosphere'.
The music ranged from numbers by Lennon and McCartney and Lloyd Webber, to pieces by Rossini,
Strauss, Bizet and Gershwin. 'When faced with such a vast audience, the performance of the
soloists is even more praiseworthy, as nerves really jangle before and during their pieces',
Mr. Magee said.
Sisters Suzy and Kathryn Power played solos, as did Maxine Crellin from the Manx Youth Band.
Manx Concert Brass leader Simon Briggs and members Stephen Maddocks and his sister Lynsey
played solos. Reigning Miss Isle of Man Lynsey had feared she would not be able to play because
of a broken collar bone but defied the pain to ensure the show went on. Stephen Dugdale also
played a solo.
Guest conductor and celebrated brass band star
Derek Broadbent conducted, with musical director Ian
Clague.
Louise Quirk compered the evening, which Mr. Magee said also saw the audience give generously
to a collection for the bands, which rely on voluntary donations.
This article first appeared in the Manx Independent on Friday, July 28, 2000
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