Northampton Concert Band pays tribute to former musical director at annual Christmas concert

A former musical director of Northampton Concert Band will be remembered at the annual Christmas concert next weekend.
Harold ColmanHarold Colman
Harold Colman

The band was musical director for more than 50 years and sadly passed away last year at the age of 93.

The first half of the concert will include some of Harold’s favourite pieces. Reflecting his career with the RAF, the band will perform Elegy on an RAF March Past by Barrie Hingley. In the audience will be members of Harold’s family including Harold’s grandson, Jeremy Ansell, former bandmaster of the Scots Guard, who will guest conduct the evening’s opening march, Barnard Castle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Graham Tear, lifelong music educator and current conductor of the band, said; “Harold left a great legacy in the Northampton Concert Band and the band is proud to be honouring his memory with this musical tribute.”

The latter half of the concert will include some Christmas favourites including a new setting of the Ukrainian Bell Carol by Robert Buckley, Nigel Hess’ A Christmas Overture, audience carols and the most Christmassy Christmas song ever written; ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’.

Proceeds from the concert will be split equally between the band, Abington Avenue United Reformed Church and Bethany Homestead, where Harold lived with his wife Kathleen.

The concert will be held at Abington Avenue United Reformed Church, Northampton on Saturday December 10 at 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 adults, £5 students/children and are available on-the-door or from the band website www.northamptonconcertband.org.uk

Related topics: