Angels' Ascent

These award-winning and nationally recognised symphonic bands from Tāmaki Makaurau will come together to create a musical performance of epic proportions.

West City Concert Band will open with Symphonic Overture by James Barnes, a joyous and Romantic-style trip around all sections of the band, with elements of Italian opera. Next up: Philip Sparke’s Clarinet Concerto (mvt 2) which intersperses sweeping, warm themes with the soloist’s intricate and jazzy descant melody. Frank Ticheli’s Angels in the Architecture is an evocative 21st century work which incorporates themes of light and dark in a constant and dramatic struggle, interwoven with three hymns and songs of peace and hope.

Manukau Concert Band will begin their set with a brief nautical interlude: the famous Sea Songs by Ralph Vaughan-Williams. Finally, we present Franco Cesarini’s symphonic masterpiece: Symphony No. 1 - The Archangels. This vast work in four movements, each representing a different archangel, takes thematic material from old Gregorian chants and weaves them into dramatic soundscapes.

Manukau will be taking this programme to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Band Championships at the end of April. Come along to support them in their quest for Trans-Tasman gold.