Posted: 16/01/19
This Saturday (Jan 19th, 2019) will see the first of two events featuring Derbyshire based Derwent Brass in a production entitled Warp & Weft: Bringing DerwentWISE to Life in collaboration with the progressive music group ‘Sigma 7’ and Music Producer John Crossley, Head of Discipline Music and Performing Arts at the University of Derby.
DerwentWISE itself is a five-year project to inspire and enable care for the Lower Derwent Valley. Its vision is for a future where the landscape of the Lower Derwent Valley is valued as much for its natural and cultural heritage as for its beauty, and where local people have the knowledge and skills to look after it for future generations to enjoy.
This production is a celebration of that project and journeys through time from before cotton mills dominated the river valley, to the heyday of the world's first factory system, to the decimating effect of the Great War, to present day Derbyshire. It is an exciting collision of contemporary sounds fused with traditional brass band, inspired by the valley's natural and industrial heritage, sharing the stories of this special landscape and its people.
“We are delighted to be a part of the DerwentWISE project. It couldn’t be a better fit for the band to be involved in another collaboration which is close to us both artistically and geographically. Rehearsals with Sigma 7 and the guys at Derby University have been fantastic and we are really looking forward to being back in Derby Theatre for the first production this weekend, with another at Cromford Mills later in the year. It is a truly unique work John has put together and it’s great for the band to continue pushing boundaries by kick starting the new year with something so innovative.” (Chris Leonard, Band Manager)
“This is a really exciting project for me and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with such a fantastic group of musicians. My father played for Grimethorpe Colliery band when I was young, so I grew up surrounded by this rich sound and heritage – its wonderful to now be part of that.” (John Crossley, Music Producer)
Warp & Weft: Bringing DerwentWISE to Life is hosted by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and funded by Heritage Lottery Funds.
Tickets are available from the Derby Theatre Box Office (www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call 01332 59 39 39).
