A joint concert by Hade Edge Band and Vocal Expressions Ladies Choir was a total sell-out.

The concert at The Edgar Dickinson Building in Hade Edge featured the choir conducted by Robert Webb and their accompanist Lloyd Buck along with the band and their new conductor Jonathan Beatty who took over the baton on January 1 this year.

This was Jonathan’s first concert with the band and the evening was a celebration of music, vocal and brass in the Holme Valley.

The choir sung religious songs including the Irish Blessing, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, then moved into American and African songs with Down to the River and Missouri. The band played operatic music with the Overture Nabucco, and the Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly. Soloists Anna Spedding on cornet played Rusalka’s Song to the Moon and bass soloist David Smith took the audience on a journey with Rossini’s Largo Al Factotum. There was a joint choir and band piece of The Vicar of Dibley (The Lord is my Shepherd).

Another soloist from the band was James Turner on horn who played Rainforest from Windows of the World.

The choir’s finale included old favourites A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Isn’t This A Lovely Day To Be Caught In The Rain and finished off with Chattanooga Choo Choo.

The band finished their programme with Chanson d’Amour, All Night Long and final soloist piece from their trombone player Rebecca Lundberg with Georgia On My Mind.

Hade Edge Band announced their intention to start a junior band at Hade Edge by announcing an open evening which will take place on Tuesday, May 20 from 7pm at the band room. It is open to any brass players of all ages.

The band’s next concert is at The Carding Shed on Butt Lane in Hepworth on Sunday, May 18 where the audience will be treated to an evening of cream tea and brass. Tickets are now available from The Carding Shed and Hade Edge Band.