A magical evening of music at St Peter’s church, Brooke
St Peter’s Church in Brooke was filled to capacity on Saturday evening as the East of England Coop Band delighted audiences with a vibrant and varied programme of music.
Under the expert direction of conductor Mark Ager, the band performed a carefully curated selection of pieces, offering a taste of their upcoming Studio Music publications recording alongside beloved classics and exciting new works.
The evening featured two standout solo performances. Horn player Linda Purdy captivated the audience with a stylish rendition of Arabesque by Darrol Barry, while euphonium soloist Harry Stubbs delivered a moving interpretation of When You Believe, arranged by Richard Phillips.
The band also premiered several new works to great acclaim, including Gypsy Dance by Rob Wiffen — a clear crowd favourite — and Scaff, arranged by Alastair Wheeler, which provided a rousing encore to close the concert.
A highlight of the night was a special collaboration with St Peter’s resident organist, Brian Orland. The audience was treated to a powerful joint performance of the finale from Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony and Bach’s Toccata, arranged by Ray Farr, which showcased the majestic blend of brass and organ.
The band was met with an enthusiastic reception from an appreciative full house. “It was a joy to perform for such a wonderful audience,” said the band following the concert. “Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the evening.”
