The Summer Concert of the Salisbury Concert Band in the Arts Centre has become a well established feature in Salisbury's cultural calendar.

And once again the audience was treated last Saturday to a diverse programme of excellent wind band music.

Vaughan William's Overture to The Wasps opened the evening with its energetic buzzing at the beginning of the piece. More British music by Grainger and Coates was contrasted with two American compositions by Nestico and Ungar. Both featured euphonium solos, beautifully played by Mike Dunford with an exquisite velvety tone.

Chris Holmes, the director of the band also showcased his talent as an arranger.

The central piece of the programme was the fiery "Conga del Fuego Nuevo" by Arturo Marquez. The band fell in love with his Danzon No.2, which they performed in their last concert, and wanted to explore more of his inspiring music. The percussion section brilliantly rose to the demanding challenge.

The evening concluded with the Hymn to the Sun by Yagasawa, an impressive piece, exploring all the sounds of a wind band with additional four part vocal harmony in the middle.

Peter Doherty provided interesting information as compere and contributed reflective and humorous poetry in the two interludes. A wonderful uplifting evening!

UTE SCHWARTING