News Story
Fairfield Halls will come alive with the sounds of the silver screen as Croydon Symphonic Band presents World’s Greatest Film Music - a one-night-only celebration of iconic movie themes performed by one of the UK’s leading community wind orchestras. From the stirring scores of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park to emotional tributes and hidden cinematic gems, this concert promises an unforgettable journey through the power of film music. As the Band marks its 53rd season performing at Fairfield Halls, we sat down with them to hear more about what makes this show so special, what audiences can expect, and why this is a must-see event for film fans, families, and music lovers alike.
Can you tell us a bit about who the Croydon Symphonic Band are?
Croydon Symphonic Band is an amateur community wind orchestra and charity formed in 1973 to enable woodwind, brass and percussion players of all ages and standards in the Croydon area to meet and play together. We don’t hold auditions and all are welcome. The Band has performed its concerts at Fairfield from the beginning, firstly in what was the Arnhem Gallery and since 1998 in the Concert Hall. The Band has regularly entered the National Concert Band Festival and has gained numerous Gold awards at the Finals which are usually held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The Band is now one of the leading, and most respected, community bands in the UK.
"World's Greatest Film Music" promises an evening of iconic movie themes. What inspired the band to focus on film music for this concert?
We have a very loyal audience base, and it’s always a challenge finding the right mix of music which will interest both the Band members and the audience. The challenge this time was to avoid a concert made up completely of music by John Williams! David Cox, our conductor, has included one or two pieces this time which may not be immediately recognised as having been used as film music!
This concert marks the band's 53rd season at Fairfield Halls. How has the band evolved over the years? And what do you enjoy most about performing at Fairfield?
With one or two exceptions, we rely solely on our membership to perform in our concerts. We currently have a membership in excess of 50, and we need a fairly large space to both accommodate our numbers and cope with the volume of sound. We can play quietly and gently but full volume needs a large hall. The Concert Hall at Fairfield is one of the best acoustically in the UK, some would say THE best. For a Croydon group like ours, it’s the ONLY place to perform.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment or rehearsal story that has stood out while preparing for this concert?
It’s been interesting (and funny) listening to and hearing the reaction of some of our older members to the music from some of the more recent films, including ‘How to Train Your Dragon and ‘Viktors Tale’, which they haven’t come across before! It’s also been very tough choosing what to leave out. There’s no Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones or James Bond, but there is Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Big Country and Star Wars! It’s all about ‘balance’ and David, our conductor, has got it just about right.
Many of the pieces are from well-loved films. Do any of the selections have a special nostalgic value to you or the band?
Sadly, our lead euphonium player, Ian Giles, passed last month. At our first ever final at the National Concert Band Festival in 1994 in Manchester we received our first gold award and Ian received the outstanding soloist award at the awards ceremony for a euphonium solo in the slow movement of John Irelands ‘A Downland Suite’, called ‘Elegy’. As it happens this music was used in an obscure Australian film from 1946, and therefore, fits in with the theme of the concert, so we are including it in the concert as a tribute to Ian. It’s a real tearjerker.
How do you hope this concert appeals to younger audiences or families who may be discovering symphonic music through film?
We’re really hoping that the programme will appeal to families of all ages to discover not only how spectacularly good film music can be, but also how good it is to listen to a wind orchestra. Hopefully we can encourage young players to come and listen and realise how exciting it can be to be part of a large amateur group such as ours.
This is a one-night-only performance. What makes this specific evening at Fairfield Halls unmissable?
Our concerts may be for one night only, but we aim for our audience to go home with great memories so that they will return the next time! We look forward to seeing you there.
