KWO News
9th-12th July 2010
Following a number of other successful European tours, Kew Wind Orchestra is thrilled to have been accepted to compete at the Coup de Vents International Wind Music Festival. Held in Northern France, the festival attracts musical talent from all over the world. This year’s competition takes place in July, so look out for an update about how the performance went!
posted: 5th June 2010
1984-2009
Kew Wind Orchestra has performed a number of composer Peter Meechan’s works at recent concerts and competitions, so we were honoured when the composer asked us to record a CD of his works. As well as pieces for solo band, KWO played with world-class trumpeter Rex Richardson to record trumpet concerto Apophenia. The orchestra was also joined by David Thornton, principal Euphonium for the Black Dyke Band and trombonist Becky Smith. Having the opportunity to play with such talented soloists made it one of the highlights of the KWO year so far.
To see some video footage of the recording check out our youtube site.
posted: 5th June 2010
1984-2009
From humble beginnings, with a group of amateur musicians keen to get together to play wind music, Kew Wind Orchestra is now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the years the orchestra has gone from strength to strength, winning a range of awards, entertaining crowds across Europe on a range of musical tours and gaining a reputation as the UK’s leading amateur wind ensemble.
To celebrate this exciting milestone, the orchestra is delighted to be holding a special Anniversary Concert on Sunday 27th June. Along with symphonic works for wind orchestra, West End and Jools Holland singer Louise Marshall will be joining KWO to perform some popular big band repertoire. This is just one event in the line up for the Kew Music Festival, a new live music festival in Kew’s most historic and beautiful venues. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you reserve yours in advance at membership@kewsociety.org. Tickets for Kew Wind Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary can also be ordered online.
posted: 5th June 2010
April 9th 2010
This weekend saw Kew Wind Orchestra make a triumphant return to the stage, winning a Platinum award in the open wind band class of the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF), held this year at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
Platinum is the highest possible award that can be achieved in the competition and was only introduced for this year's competition. Having been awarded a Platinum for their performance in the NCBF heats in November 2009, the orchestra was keen to repeat that success in the finals of the competition with a performance of 'Music of the Spheres' by celebrated wind band composer Philip Sparke.
Sparke's music proved a popular choice with three of the four bands competing in the open class final choosing to perform a piece written by the composer. Kew Wind Orchestra's performance clearly impressed adjudicators Guy Woolfenden and Colin Touchen, who awarded the band platinum in all but one of the adjudication categories.
This achievement at the NCBF comes as the band is preparing to compete in the prestigious Coup de Vents, an international wind music festival held in Northern France. On offer is a prize for €5000, with competing bands hailing from all over the world.
posted: 13th April 2010
