The Simon Balle Concert Band and friends

11th July 2021
Concert Band

The Show Must Go On was one of the last hits for Freddie Mercury in 1991, the year of his death. In this context the title has a tragic significance. It is also very relevant statement for today’s concert.

When Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation H.G.Wells' novel The War of the Worlds was originally released, no one would have believed that it would become so popular. The Eve of the War, the stunning opening scene of Wayne's show, became a huge international hit single in its own right. This new arrangement by British composer/arranger Steve Sykes retains all the drama and tension of the original atmospheric opening. 

Rarely does a blockbuster movie include a soundtrack that becomes such an important element of the film itself. With songs from character Peter Quill's "Awesome Mix" here is a dynamic medley for band that features the Marvel Studios Fanfare, Hooked on a Feeling, Come and Get Your Love, Groot Cocoon (lyric theme from the score), Cherry Bomb, and Ain't No Mountain High Enough. A personal request from Chloe in the percussion section.

The continued collaboration between director Tim Burton and film score composer Danny Elfman has led to numerous unforgettable soundtracks, such as Beetlejuice and Mars Attacks! as well as Batman. Elfman’s music captures the vivid dark undertones of the movie, and manages to maintain comic elements. Batman is such a popular character that even the likes of pop-star Prince contributed to the sound track with the song Batdance. Andrew has chosen this arrangement by Toshihiko Sahashi.

Legendary pop icon Elton John has given the music world a wealth of distinctive-sounding pop hits. This arrangement has been requested by Olivia from the flute section and included in this great-sounding medley from Ted Ricketts are Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting), Candle in the Wind and Crocodile Rock.

The second Queen number of the night, Bohemian Rhapsody is undoubtedly one of the most important songs in the history of rock 'n' roll. The song defied all convention in terms of form. It has no chorus. Instead, it comprises an introduction, ballad, guitar solo, operatic interlude, hard rock section and coda. Perhaps the most mystifying aspect of the song is the lyrics, which are commonly thought to be autobiographical, although members of the band have never fully explained them. This Philip Sparke arrangement will bring the house down.

This is the opening to the well-known classic by Bach rearranged for saxophone ensemble, but it has a few surprises along the way. 

Top favourite with the group (particularly James) this chart was named the greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1. Guns N' Roses' signature hit was introduced back in 1987 and remains as popular and recognizable today as ever.

Taken directly from the opening of the second act of the musical Chicago the arrangement for saxophone ensemble includes the hits All That Jazz, Me and My Baby and Mister Cellophane.

This piece has been commissioned for Saxidentals by the saxophonist and composer Andy Scott. Inspired by the group ‘Stuff’ and the pianist Richard Tee (hence the name), this upbeat cheerful number is a sheer delight to play and features Oscar on the alto solo.

This original chart by Derek Nash, which featured on his 2014 album Funkerdeen really gets the fingers moving. Featuring solos from all the sections of the group this is sure to get your feet tapping.

Encore - Carnival.

Doctor Who has appeared in comic strip adventures since the 1960’s, running along side the television series. In this arrangement from the long-running and iconic BBC television series Doctor Who, composer Murray Gold brings a new dimension of dramatic and evocative musical theme dating from 2005 to present. This score is a masterful setting for band featuring familiar themes for the Doctor, along with the alien monsters Cyber men and Daleks, and also memorable companion themes for Rose and Martha. Listen out for the familiar sound of the Theremin.

           Arr. Toshio Mashima

The theme tune from the action movie Mission: Impossible, starring Tom Cruise, is a great example of film music that takes on a life of its own, becoming even more popular than its film. The melody from Lalo Schifrin's soundtrack has since become a classic, and in this skilful arrangement by Toshio Mashima a sure-fire hit with any audience.

This is an arrangement of a medley of 2014 Grammy Award-winning hits by the French electronic duo Daft Punk and is based on a dazzling version by the a capella group Pentatonix. This is a production tour de force and expertly arranged. A request by Charlotte in the flute section, this arrangement includes the tunes Technologic, One More Time, Get Lucky, Digital Love and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.

First heard in the original 1967 movie, this familiar tune is featured again in the blockbuster 2016 version. In this clever arrangement for band, Paul Murtha uses a peppy 2-beat style and starts out with the trombones on the melody. Every section of the band gets into the act, however, including a solo or soli for tuba, and a brief slower section for a Dixieland combo leading to the rousing finish. 

Encore - Instant Concert