This Saturday, Perthshire Brass will take to the stage at Perth Concert Hall to compete in the Second Section of the Scottish Brass Band Championships, performing the specially commissioned testpiece The Golden Sabre by Kit Turnbull. This will be the band's first performance as a Second Section band, having gained promotion after a stellar 2019 which saw them take Best Third Section Band at the year-end Band Supplies Scottish Challenge to be crowned Third Section Band of the Year.
The Golden Sabre - subtitled Tales of the Hussar-Poet, Denis Davydov - tells the story of the 18th century Russian soldier, who was famed throughout his homeland for his poetry. The piece is written as twelve musical portraits describing Davydov's experience in the Russian military during the Napolenic Wars - the apprehension of impending war, tales of camaraderie and comradeship, a desolate retreat and a final, Death or Glory battle against their enemies.
Commenting on the band's preparations, conductor George Annan said, "We’ve found the piece to be a real challenge but have enjoyed getting to grips with it. Every player in the band has an important role to play and I’ve been impressed with the efforts that individuals have gone to in ensuring full rehearsals, and it’s been heartening that sections of the band have organised extra practice. Whatever the result, this has been a whole team effort and we will enjoy another great day together."
The Second Section contest will commence on Saturday morning at 09:30, with the 10 bands to be adjudicated by Anne Crookston and Jappie Dijkstra. The SBBA also plan to live stream the results on their new YouTube channel for the first time. Tickets for the event are available through the Horsecross website, or from the box office at Perth Concert Hall.