Concerto Grosso at the BBC Proms ★★★★★ ‘I think it’s the occasion when the poor old critic has to reach for the sharpest word in their lexicon, which in my case is, ‘wow!’

Gavin’s Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra premiered to critical and public acclaim on the 8th August at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the 2022 BBC Proms. Conducted by Ryan Bancroft, the BBC National Orchestra and the Tredegar Town band ‘wowed the Proms’ in a spectacular premiere.

Rebecca Franks in the Times said this new work ‘defies tradition and expectation, bringing a fresh musical spin to a genre whose heyday was in Victorian Britain’, calling the piece ‘invigorating and imaginative’.

The Guardian’s Andrew Clements’ called the piece a ‘vivid and expressive love letter to brass bands’, going on to say, ‘It’s superbly worked out, not only showcasing the brilliance of the Tredegar players, but also satisfyingly working through the large-scale scheme with vivid musical ideas.’

The Observer’s Fiona Maddocks’, called the Concerto Groso ‘an ingenious work’ giving the performance 5☆ in her review. She also commented live on Radio 3, ‘I think it’s the occasion when the poor old critic has to reach for the sharpest word in their lexicon, which in my case is, ‘wow!’ It was a spectacular piece, it was magnificent in this hall… just an astonishing jamboree of sound.’

Audience members were equally impressed with the performance, with many taking to Twitter:

You can hear the piece on BBC iPlayer or BBC Sounds for 11 months by clicking here. Check back soon for information on further performances around Europe.