Band's silver anniversary concert

Derwent Valley Concert Band members in Tuscany in 2015.

THE Derwent Valley Concert Band is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a gala concert at the Farrall Centre, at The Friends’ School, New Town, on October 13.

All five ensembles will be performing in the concert – the Brass Quintet, Marching Band, Development Band, Intermediate Band and Concert Band.

The master of ceremonies for the evening will be the globally recognised motivational speaker, international best-selling author and foundation band member (tenor horn), Sam Cawthorn. Sam grew up at Glenora and was named the Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year in 2009.

The anniversary program has been built around various high points in the band’s history, from the very first public performance in 1993, to international tours, the Danish Royal Wedding, state and national competitions and the commissioning of new music from Australian composers. Featured works will include Finger Lakes Festival March (Jerry Nowak), Andromeda Overture (Mark Williams), Nordic Suite (Pierre La Plante), Brigade of Guards (Alex Lithgow), Children’s March and The Lost Lady Found (Percy Grainger).

A highlight will be the Australian premiere of Mia Palencia’s song cycle, Pengertian Suite. This is a modern-day immigrant story which incorporates traditional Sabahan musical elements into a contemporary setting, arranged by Mark Buys. The work was commissioned especially for the DVCB tour to Malaysia during July this year where it was presented in four concerts, each time to great acclaim.

The band's founder and founding conductor Layton Hodgetts will make a return to the podium to conduct pieces with both the Intermediate and Concert Bands. Others with the baton will be Frances White, Andrew Castles, and the chief conductor Lyall McDermott.

The concert starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be available prior to the concert and supper will be served at the conclusion. Entry will be by donation.