Danish Band Visit Creates Lasting Memories

Northallerton Silver Band was delighted to welcome Aros Blæserne Brass Band from Aarhus, Denmark, to North Yorkshire recently.

The visiting group, consisting of 18 brass players accompanied by eight supporters, enjoyed a busy programme during their stay, including visits to Goathland, Whitby, York and Northallerton itself. Blessed with excellent weather, the Danish guests were able to experience some of the best of North Yorkshire’s scenery, hospitality and local attractions.

The highlight of the visit was the joint “Brass Band Connections” concert at New Life Baptist Church, Northallerton, on Saturday 16th May. The evening was warmly received by the appreciative audience.

Following separate rehearsals beforehand and one combined rehearsal together, both bands performed individual programmes before joining forces for a massed band finale featuring 48 players.

The concert programme included traditional brass band favourites such as Barnard Castle and Fest March, alongside lighter items including Øde Ø, an arrangement of a Danish pop song, and an entertaining brass band version of Ticket to Ride, complete with train whistle effects.

Northallerton Silver Band was conducted by Victoria Wilson, while Aros Blæserne Brass Band was led by Sarah Owens, originally from North Yorkshire and now living in Denmark.

One particularly special moment during the visit was a reunion at the concert. Two members of the Danish band were reunited with a friend from Manchester who had travelled across the Pennines after seeing the concert advertised. Remarkably, they had last met 51 years ago in Aarhus, when they were teenagers and he was visiting Denmark with a group of Scouts.

Away from the concert hall, members of both bands enjoyed spending time together socially, with friendships forming between the musicians. One member of the Danish band summed up the visit by saying: “We take home the most wonderful memories.”

Northallerton Silver Band would like to thank everyone who supported the concert and helped make the visit such a success, including New Life Baptist Church for the use of their excellent venue.