Posted: 27/12/24
T’was the Saturday before Christmas, and down the illuminated path to St Peter’s Church stood eager concertgoers, filled with anticipation for the evening ahead. Derwent Brass has been performing its annual Christmas concert in its hometown of Belper for many years, and this year was no exception. The event was a sell-out, with some hopefuls waiting outside in case of last-minute cancellations. Aptly titled Christmas Cracker, the concert certainly lived up to its name! This year’s performance featured a special addition—A Very Bublé Christmas—with special guest James Barrington Stephens.
Following the usual public safety announcement, humorously delivered by Music Director Jack Capstaff, the band launched into A Christmas Overture by Nigel Hess. Originally commissioned as an orchestral piece by ‘Mr. Christmas’ himself, John Rutter, this lively and majestic arrangement blends six carols, including Ding Dong Merrily on High and the lesser-known Personent Hodie. It was the perfect aperitif for the feast of music to follow.
Jack set the tone for the evening, informing the audience that they would need to sit through the “serious section" before getting to the festive fun. Judging by the captivated expressions around, they didn’t mind one bit. The hauntingly beautiful O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, arranged by Philip Littlemore, was followed by The Huron Carol, widely regarded as Canada’s first Christmas carol, composed in the 1640s and arranged here for brass band by Andrew Wainwright. Though not as well known in the UK, it was clearly appreciated by the audience. A more contemporary addition, Glow by Eric Whitacre, continued the atmospheric first half, before concluding with Magnificat by John Rutter—because no Christmas concert feels complete without a bit of Rutter!
Following the interval, break for refreshments, and a quick change of the band's attire, Jack then introduced special guest James Barrington Stephens, accompanied by (the band's Associate Composer) Matt Eden on keyboard. Together, they presented a specially arranged suite that showcased the band’s flair for a more relaxed, jazz-infused style.
And what better way to open A Very Bublé Christmas than with It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas? Originally written by Meredith Wilson in 1951, this classic set the tone for a nostalgic and heartwarming setlist. Winter Wonderland, composed by Felix Bernard in 1934, followed—remarkably celebrating its 90th anniversary. Then came Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, first sung by Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). James delivered it with warmth and sincerity, far from the melancholy of its original film setting. The set continued with Blue Christmas, best known from Elvis Presley’s iconic recording, before moving on to White Christmas, Irving Berlin’s timeless classic.
For many (including me), Christmas doesn’t truly begin until hearing Bing Crosby’s original rendition. Finally, no festive set would be complete without the big man himself—cue Santa Claus is Coming to Town by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, bringing this special segment to a spectacular close. Derwent Brass truly shone in big band style, and combined with the effortless charm of James and Matt, it was a standout highlight of the night.
To follow the band launched into a sparkling selection of Christmas movie music. Jack’s arrangement of Miracle on 34th Street (from the 1994 version) was followed by a rousing audience singalong of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. A totally different take of White Christmas followed (this time Berlin's hardy perennial was given some spice from the pen of Mark Freeh) before leading another full-throated audience carol, complete with Willocks fanfares into O Come, All Ye Faithful.
The grand finale was a suite from The Polar Express, which, unbelievably, is now 20 years old! As Jack and the band took their bows, the audience were immediately on their feet, calling for an encore. And if you’ve ever been to a Derwent Brass Christmas concert, you’ll know there’s only one piece it could be—Schneewalzer. With enthusiastic audience participation, it was clear a lot of them had done this before!
Derwent Brass is known for its polished, self-promoted concerts, and tonight’s performance was no exception.
Amid all the celebration, there was a sombre moment as Jack made an important announcement. After over two decades calling Belper home, the band will be without a base from January 2025. It would be a travesty if such a fine ensemble were unable to find a suitable venue. If anyone has suggestions or knows of potential options, Derwent Brass urges you to reach out via social media.
With another Christmas Cracker in the books, the countdown begins for next year’s festive extravaganza. One thing’s for certain—Derwent Brass continues to bring the magic of Christmas to Belper like no other.
Jane Hartley
