Photo by Paul T.
Truro, Monday 7 April 2025 — Truro Cathedral was filled to capacity this afternoon as audiences gathered for our vibrant lunchtime concert showcasing the extraordinary talent and community spirit of four celebrated ensembles. The event, held at 1pm, brought together the our Association, Cornwall Children’s Choir, St Austell Youth Band, and Truro Male Choir for an hour of diverse and uplifting music.
This unique musical celebration highlighted the power of collaboration and the richness of regional talent, with each group delivering a distinctive programme of pieces spanning genres, eras, and cultures. Admission was free, with a retiring collection in aid of the participating groups and their ongoing work enriching the local arts scene.
The concert began with a joint performance by Corsham Windband Association and St Austell Youth Brass Band, who opened with a rousing arrangement of The Greatest Showman by Paul Murtha. The St Austell Youth Brass Band, conducted by Anna Minear, followed with an impressive set including Prismatic Light by Ian Fernie and a stirring arrangement of Bach’s Toccata in D Minor.
Cornwall Children’s Choir, under the direction of Alison Harvey, charmed the audience with their lively and varied set. Highlights included the rhythmic Engine Engine, the hauntingly beautiful Amani Utupe, and the playful Something Spooky. Their youthful energy and vocal clarity drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Corsham Windband Association, led by Sonia Blandford and Simon Carr, demonstrated their musical versatility with a programme that ranged from the jazzy Eine Kleine Yiddishe Ragmusik to classic hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and a Beatles medley from Love. Their performance of Weller Man, arranged by Johnnie Vinson, was a particular favourite.
Truro Male Choir, conducted by Russell Pascoe, delivered a powerful 20-minute set drawing on their current repertoire. Selections included traditional songs such as Steal Away and Keep Haulin’, original works like The World As One, and well-loved tunes including Wonderful World and Paul McCartney’s Frog’s Chorus.
The concert concluded with a heartfelt joint rendition of Cornwall My Home, arranged by Matthew Douglas. Performed by the combined forces of Corsham Windband Association, St Austell Youth Brass Band, and Truro Male Choir, it was a fitting finale to a moving celebration of music, community, and shared cultural heritage.
This inspiring event underscored the strength of Cornwall’s musical community and the importance of nurturing talent through collaboration and public performance.