Concert by the Band of the Royal Yeomanry
14th June 2023Guildhall Yard
I believe that music may very well prove to be a resounding theme during my year in office. When asked of the gift I wish I had but don’t, being musical tops the list. If only I could sing and dance! Fortunately one of my Consorts, Will more than compensates!
On this occasion, I had the privilege of sitting in the front row next to Paul Wright, Deputy Remembrancer, as the Band of the Royal Yeomanry performed.
But, first a history lesson…. The Band of The Royal Yeomanry (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry) is one of the oldest and finest in the Army Reserve.
Formed in 1961 from the amalgamation of the Inns of Court Regiment and The City of London Yeomanry, the band can trace its regimental history back to 1548 with the raising of The Inns of Court Regiment (The Regiment of Lawyers) as an association of volunteers to assist in the defence of the country against the threatened Spanish invasion. It was first commanded by Sir Thomas Egeton who was later to become Lord Chancellor of England.
The City of London Yeomanry (The Rough Riders) is much younger and was raised in 1900 as mounted infantry to fight in the Boer War. Both Regiments served with distinction in the First and Second World Wars. Since 1961, the band became known as The Band of The Royal Yeomanry (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry), and still maintains its distinctive ceremonial uniform of French blue jacket and trousers, chain mailed shoulders, George boots and spurs, all topped off with our flamboyant Chapka helmets.
Yesterday’s concert was evenly split between two distinguished conductors who masterfully led diverse but, equally appealing musical pieces. If only I could include videos in my blog!! An added bonus was their reflections on the pieces they chose for their designated 30 minute concert.
One piece, Philip Starke’s Jubilee Overture was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the British-based GUS Brass Band and first performed by them at the band’s Golden Jubilee Concert in 1983, Keith Wilkinson conducting. It was transcribed for wind band in 1984. According to our conductor: Major David Hammond, Philip soon learned the error of his ways and revised the piece for military bands!
Audience participation featured in the first half, as the group was instructed to shout ‘Mumba’ loudly twice during the lively piece.
The history lesson in the second half was most interesting as the band played the former Radio 4 theme song! Conductor Major Bruce Miller explained that The BBC Radio 4 UK Theme is an orchestral arrangement of traditional British and Irish airs composed by Fritz Spiegl arranged by Manfred Arlan. It was played every morning on BBC Radio 4 between 23 November 1978 and 23 April 2006.
The piece was used as the signature theme to introduce the daily beginning of Radio 4's broadcasting following the early morning handover from the BBC World Service. The theme was followed immediately by the Shipping forecast.
The controversy began when then controller, Mark Damazer decided to drop the Radio 4 UK Theme to make way for a "pacy news briefing" caused much controversy in the United Kingdom, including extensive discussion in the British media and even in Parliament. Having heard and recognised the various pieces that comprised the arrangement, I would have definitely signed that petition. We were very fortunate to experience its richness during such a wonderful summer’s evening at the Guildhall Yard!