photo: Victoria Halls, Hartley Wintney
Friary Brass Band launched its 2024 programme of events on Sunday with a return to the magnificent Victoria Hall, Hartley Wintney, for a concert which has become a firm favourite fixture for both the Band and the village. Dating back to 1898 in the arts and crafts architectural style, the venue has been restored in wonderful fashion and now holds regular events and concerts.
Despite the competing attraction of a military band concert at nearby Basingstoke, a highly receptive audience gave a warm welcome to the Band for a concert which included part of Friary’s popular Brass in Concert set, along with some challenging new items to its repertoire. New soloists Jonti Whittingham-Smith (baritone) and Morgan Marston (tenor horn) were also featured.
‘This was even better than last year’s concert,’ one audience member told Friary PR officer Tim Straker. ‘We really hope you’ll come back again next year.’
Friary Chairman Dave Wicks added: ‘We were delighted to return to Hartley Wintney once again with such an appreciative audience.’
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