CELIA WIGG A top East Anglian brass band is holding a memorial concert for acclaimed composer Sir Malcolm Arnold in the Norfolk town that was his home.

CELIA WIGG

A top East Anglian brass band is holding a memorial concert for acclaimed composer Sir Malcolm Arnold in the Norfolk town that was his home.

One of the UK's greatest classical composers of the 20th century, with more than 100 film soundtracks to his name including the Oscar-winning score for Bridge on the River Kwai, he died on September 23 last year at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital - one month short of his 85th birthday.

A trumpet player for many years, he was a huge fan of brass instruments.

And a little more than a year after his death, the Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band will pay tribute by presenting a “Memorial to Sir Malcolm Arnold” at Attleborough parish church at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 13.

What makes the performance especially poignant is that one of the band's cornet players is a relative of Sir Malcolm.

Ian Burton, the band's manager, said: “The band will be performing a concert of Sir Malcolm Arnold's original music for brass band, and some orchestral transcriptions, in the town that was his home for the last part of his life.

“Sir Malcolm, being a trumpet player, always held brass bands in great regard and we are extremely honoured to be undertaking this concert a year on from his death.”

One of the premier brass bands in the region, based in Ipswich, its members travel from Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, making it a true East Anglian community ensemble.

Conducted by Robin Norman, a fan of Sir Malcolm's music, it was felt the band should honour one of the brass band movement's greatest friends and one of the greatest characters in Britain's musical heritage.

The concert will include his 'Fantasy', composed for the National Brass Band Championships in 1974, and numerous arrangements of his orchestral works including the Cornish and Scottish Dances.

The performance will take place in the presence of numer-ous friends and members of the Sir Malcolm's estate.

“With not only music but numerous memories and anecdotes of the composer's life, it is hoped that this will be a fitting tribute to a fine man and an outstanding musician,” added Mr Burton.

Tickets, at £8 each, or £5 concessions, will be available from Prelude Records, Norwich, on 01603 628319, the Attleborough Parish Office on 01953 454977 or direct from the band on 01394 615644.