Get ready for an exciting performance as the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band teams up with sensational Irish dancers from Watkins Academy of Irish Dance and guest Piper Stuart McLeod to bring you the Best of British Anthems.

This spectacular fusion will bring classic British anthems like Pomp and Circumstance and Dam Busters to life.

With over 30 brass players, the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band, and a touch of Irish and Scottish magic, this concert is bound to be a sell-out success.

We spoke to Howard Taylor, Musical Director for Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band, about what people can expect from the concert.

Can you tell us about the upcoming event at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC)? What can the audience expect from the performance?

There is nothing like a Proms concert, a long standing and world-renowned classical music festival held annually at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The Best of British is exactly that, overall. Attending a Proms concert offers a rich and varied musical experience with something to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences within the realm of classical music.

The Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band is known for excellence and has achieved remarkable success in recent years. Could you share some highlights and memorable moments from your journey?

Having won 11 national titles in Australia and New Zealand since 2005, Brisbane Excelsior are the premier band in Australia. They have just claimed another Queensland title recently. With tours to the UK, Hong Kong and China, Excelsior strives for the best in their music making. Excelsior – Onwards and Upwards!

Performing classic anthems and English standards from the glory days of Great Britain sounds exciting. How do you choose the repertoire for such performances, and what inspired this selection?

I always ask myself, as a Brit, what would an audience want to hear? There are the obvious classics – Elgar, Holtz, but I wanted melodies from right around the British Isles. So, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England are represented in this music extravaganza. Naturally, I have done so many of these concerts and hopefully by now, I know what works with the general public.

This event features an impressive ensemble of more than 30 brass players. Can you tell us about the preparation and rehearsal process for such a grand performance?

The Excelsior band are very busy and have to be very committed for such an ensemble. Two weeks ago, were the Queensland titles. Last week, the band played at the Octoberfest German concert. The players are, I believe, some of the best in Australia. They are given the music well in advance and the conductor (myself) brings it all together over the three weeks beforehand, with two rehearsals a week.

We’re intrigued by the inclusion of Irish dancers from Watkins Academy of Irish Dance and guest Piper Stuart McLeod. How did this collaboration come about, and what can the audience expect from this unique combination of music and dance?

I have worked with the Watkins Academy of Irish Dance and Stuart McLeod for many years. It is coming up for the 25-year anniversary since Riverdance hit us and what better way than to play this great musical number. What is it about the bagpipes that captivate any audience? The ever-popular Highland Cathedral is a must at any Proms concert.

The concert will be a part of the 2023 Senior’s Month celebrations. What does it mean for the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band to be a part of this special occasion?

This is the band’s (and my own) first concert at the Redlands PAC. We are very excited to be a part of this and hope this will be a start of a very long relationship.

The band is well-known for its traditional red livery. Can you share the significance and history behind this distinctive uniform?

Excelsior wanted to upgrade their uniform back in 2014 before a tour of China for the Shanghai Music Festival. This had been in the making for many years. We wanted to look smart, and we believe this has been achieved with the, now, distinctive Excelsior look.

What do you hope the audience takes away from this performance, and why should they secure their tickets in advance?

There is nothing like the sound of a good brass band. The audience will remember this for a long time. As soon as they hear the rich, beautiful music of Danny Boy, Nimrod and, of course, as soon as they take off with The Dambusters March, there is no going back! This will be an evening to be remembered – order your tickets now.

Could you tell us more about the role of brass bands in preserving cultural heritage and musical traditions, especially in the Australian context?

Brass bands are often a central feature of local festivals, parades and celebrations. Their music can be deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical significance of these events. Brass bands often serve as a platform for community members to actively engage with music. They provide opportunities for individuals to learn and play instruments, fostering musical education and appreciation.

What are your future plans and upcoming projects for the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band, both in terms of performances and community engagement?

Excelsior’s next concert will be their annual Christmas concert which will also feature Windsor Brass (another brass band under the Excelsior umbrella). Early next year, they will prepare for the Australian Nationals in March, held in Adelaide. Along with community council park play-outs, it will be another busy but exciting time for the Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band.

Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band plays Best of British Anthems at Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland, Queensland on October 27th at 7.30pm. You can get your tickets at rpac.com.au

Irish dancers from Watkins Academy.