TYLDESLEY Brass Band conducted by Rob Taylor took a Formby Hall audience on a worldwide musical tour on Sunday, in Atherton, writes Tony Smith..

The journey began in France with an overture ‘Le Domino Noir’ first performed in 1837. This distinctly period piece was technically demanding in places especially for the cornet section which had to be carefully synchronised.

The Band moved on to Spain with ‘Malaguana’, composed by Lecuona and arranged by Mark Freeh then came Russia with a Goff Richards' arrangement of ‘Tritch Tratch Polka’ composed by Straus in 1858 and named after his pet poodle. Next came 'Italian Fantasy' a medley of popular Italian tunes.

Arrival back in UK was announced by Rob Taylor who wore a waistcoat emblazoned with the Union flag to lead the Band in Elgars ‘Pomp and Circumstance No.4’ with a traditinal response from an appreciative audience.

The next stop was the USA and a number conceived in Los Angeles ‘McArthur's Way’ which featured solo parts for trombone, euphonium and soprano cornet, a slow, melodious piece with variations in tempo. The world tour concluded with an encore medley of German music.

The concert also included popular light music including ‘Beatles Forever’, ‘Georgia on my Mind’, which featured cornet soloist Gemma McKee from Northern Ireland, and ‘Oliver’.

The traditional march, ‘Roll Away Bet’ and Julias Fucich's ‘Children of the Regiment' featured along with a collection of songs from the Victorian music hall era and the ‘Anniversary Waltz’.This was a concert of colour and variety.

The next Brass Band concert at Formby Hall will be on Sunday, July 8 at 2pm featuring Wingates Band.

The next Sunday evening concert there will be on September 16 (7.30pm) with Milnrow Co-operative Band.