A KNDS Fairey Brass Band Review – A classic clay-mation comedy accompanied by a stunning brass performance.
Young Critic Emelia, visited Lichfield Festival to catch both music and cinema in the Cathedral.
The KNDS Fairey Brass Band encapsulated the enticing sound of ‘Wallace and Gromit: the Wrong Trousers’ at Lichfield Cathedral. The iconic themes of the franchise and leitmotifs associated with each character bought to life the beloved story of a deceptive penguin, and dynamic man and dog duo.
While watching the film the events begin to get very intense and the music performance reflects that perfectly, the music built and changed with each character’s role in the story. The evil Feathers McGraw was backed by music that was reminiscent of Darth Vader in Star Wars, linking the iconic villains together seamlessly.
The band is famous and successful, dating back around ninety years with pioneering events in the brass music industry that created the possibility for showings of films to be played alongside live music. The atmosphere was friendly and the conductor interacted well with the large audience in the Cathedral. A beautiful display of light illuminated the room with each piece that was performed.
Additionally, the band performed a variety of other pieces from concertos to the popular song ‘Golden’ from Netflix movie K-pop Demon Hunters in an instrumental brass twist. The variety of different styles performed, along with beautiful solos from individual band members meant that there was not a moment of boredom for any spectators.
It was clear that this was an event for all ages, keeping every single person enjoying the unique sound of brass instruments. I think that the real standout of the night was the performance alongside the magic of Wallace and Gromit. The comedic energy of the story with the live music created an atmosphere of familiar warmth and joy among the whole audience. I believe that with the historic site of the Cathedral, the show was truly unique and I am so grateful to have gotten to witness it.
By Emelia C
Emelia is in Year 11 at school and her favourite subjects are English and French but she has a passion for history. She is currently unsure of what she wants to do when she is older but she knows she wants to work in a field that allows her to be creative as she loves to write. Her favourite author at the moment is Holly Jackson, who wrote the a Good Girls Guide to Murder series. She wanted to become a young critic because she has always loved writing and loves to share opinions on the media she consumes. She loves to write because she finds it a good way to share what she’s thinking and feeling. Live performances also appeal to her as she’s often visited the theatre and enjoy listening to others talking to an audience. She has found her experience as a young critic so far exciting and inspiring.
If you’re aged 11-18 and would like to be a festival reviewer, applications will open soon for Young Critics – find out more on our website https://lichfieldfestival.org/aspire/young-critics/