A recently commissioned work by renowned Yorkshire composer, Philip Wilby, will be one of the highlights of a gala concert being given by the band it was created for, the award winning Black Dyke Band, next Saturday 3rd September at 7.30pm in Ripon Cathedral.
‘Five Rivers, A Pastorale Symphony’, which received its first performance from the Black Dyke Band three months ago , will be performed in the magnificent setting of the Cathedral and will be accompanied by images from photographer David Tarn, whose pictures of the Swale, Ure, Nidd, Wharfe and Aire will be projected onto a large screen.
The work depicts the various times and seasons of the Yorkshire Dales and was described at its premier as “an evocative, thoughtful performance that brought the bleakness as well as the rich fertility of one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes to life.”
Born in Pontefract in 1949, Philip Wilby (pictured left) is Principal Lecturer in Composition at the University of Leeds and in recent years, has established a very significant reputation in the field of brass band and wind band music. Living just outside Ripon, Philip Wilby is married to honorary minor canon at the Cathedral, Revd Canon Wendy Wilby.
The work will be one of a number of classical works by the impressive award winning Black Dyke Band which has performed over the years with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Jools Holland, Sir Elton John, and Paul McCartney. They are the most successful contesting brass band in the country and are the current British Open and National Champions.
The Very Revd John Dobson, Dean of Ripon said “we are delighted to host this concert at Ripon Cathedral and the proceeds from the concert will go towards our new, exciting project Ripon Cathedral Renewed: supporting the Dean’s development plans for a 21st Century Cathedral. The project is a bold building development plan which will open up parts of the Cathedral that have been closed to the public and provide additional facilities, toilets, restaurant, song school, community hall and much more.”
He added, “the Cathedral also aims to support the local economy and well-being of Ripon and the area. The development will transform the Cathedral but also provide an essential stimulus for the City, your support in attending this concert would be very much appreciated”.
The concert will take place on Saturday 3 September at 7.30pm and tickets are available to purchase online at www.riponcathedral.info/fundraising-events/