Masters Recital

Featuring Joanne Johnson

Trinity Methodist Church

Pemberton

Wednesday 22nd August 2012

Principal cornet of Pemberton Old Wigan (DW) Band, Joanne Johnson, gave a recital to mark the end of her Masters of Performance degree with Salford University.  The "final recital" brings together all the hard work and dedication of any music degree to feature the performer at the height of their career to date and what a future this sparkling talent has ahead of her!

Johnson began the Masters Degree in the summer of 2011 with a fairly simple and innocent goal, claiming that she "just wanted to be a better player."  Gaining invaluable advice from cornet virtuoso, Brian Taylor through-out her studies, she has clearly excelled.

After a pleasantly presented short history of the Pemberton Band, Johnson kicked things off with the popular Jubilance by William Himes.  Vibrant and snappy, this piece introduced the player's unquestionable technique and artistic flair.  A modern classic which went down a treat!

Next up was a piece that was specially written for Johnson and the band back in 2000.  One Starlit Night by Frank Hughes, who made a special appearance amongst the sizeable audience, settled the heart rates with lyrical lines and beautiful harmonies.  The quality sound of the cornet brought light to the church like an astronomical firework display.

The soloist's playing career to date has naturally been influenced by the Pemberton Band and she thoughtfully paid respect to this with an old favourite from one of the band's previous Musical Directors, William Rimmer.  His Hailstorm is a technical feast for any cornet player, requiring not only superb control but great endurance.  Johnson paid joyous homage to Rimmer here with class and precision.

She extended the tribute by showcasing another of the band's associates.  A charming arrangement of Fields of Gold by Pemberton's current conductor, Mark Bentham exposed the warmth in the performer's natural sound.  Johnson undoubtedly had the 'Midas Touch' in this tender interpretation of the popular Sting ballad.

Charivari by John Iveson brought this recital to a close with some Spanish passion and style.  At the end of this exciting and rewarding performance, Bentham congratulated the soloist for her "brilliantly played, well varied programme."

Review by Rebekah Caldwell