Two of York’s well-loved ensembles will reunite for a
concert, Sounding Brass and Voices, at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre on Saturday
6 September 2025 to celebrate a hundred years of music.
It’s the
fourth time that York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail
Band have come together to perform a joint concert. The successful pairing
commenced in 2020, three weeks before the first national lockdown in the UK,
continuing again in 2023 and 2024 to acclaim from enthusiastic York audiences.
The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir – or ‘The Phil’ as it is
affectionately known – was founded in 1925 and is marking its centenary year
with a season of high-profile concerts with partner choirs from Europe and
closer to home, as well as with the Golden Rail Band.
From humble beginnings The Phil has grown to become one of the best
choirs in the country, achieving television fame in the 1970s and performing
internationally. In 2025 it is still winning awards, most recently in April at
the National Choir Day at Eskdale Festival of the Arts in Whitby.
Berenice Lewis, who has been the choir’s musical director for 25 years
said:
“It's a
tremendous privilege and pleasure to be collaborating again with the York RI
Golden Rail Band, one of our region's leading concert brass bands.
“Our two groups are exceptionally compatible, and
we love working together – and it's particularly special in this centenary year
for the choir. We're excited to share an
evening of music in the gorgeous setting of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Don't miss it!”
Golden Rail Band, which is based next to York
Station, celebrated its own milestone last year, marking 40 years of
music-making, although the band’s parentage stretches right back to 1883. For
its ruby anniversary it recorded a special radio programme and performed
concerts at the
National Centre for Early Music, Selby Abbey, and York Barbican. This year will
see the band making its TV debut in November, details of which are being kept
closely under wraps!
Nick Eastwood, Conductor of York RI Golden Rail
Band, said:
"We're thrilled to be performing with The Phil
again, even more so as they celebrate their 100 -year anniversary. To mark
such a huge occasion, we've taken the opportunity to reflect on one hundred
years within our brass band world, which offers a rich and inspiring
musical heritage to draw on.
“From romantic
film music to toe-tapping hits, there will be something for everyone. And
prepare yourselves for the finale, when the choir and the band will take the
stage together for a couple of glorious and rousing numbers that will gladden your heart and send you home singing.”
Sounding Brass and Voices is at Joseph Rowntree
Theatre, Haxby Road, York, on Saturday 6 September at 7.30pm. All tickets are
£15 from the theatre box office, Tel 01904 501935.
https://www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/concert/sounding-brass-and-voices/2810