By LINDSAY TOULMIN
Dedication to their instruments has paid dividends for two Geelong Memorial Brass Band members.
Christina Bowden and Belinda Whitehand have been invited to join a prestigious Eastern Australia Brass band when it plays at France’s Amiens Festival, marking the centenary of World War I’s beginning.
The women were excited about the 48-piece band’s festival itinerary, which included performances at renowned battlefronts such as Ypres, Vignacourt, Villers Bretonneux and areas of the Somme.
“A favourite song of mine from that area is Roses of Picardie, so I’ve been working hard at rehearsal to ensure I’m completely happy with my rendition”, Ms Whitehand said before the pair left last week.
A highlight would be performing at the Flame of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe alongside French and German brass bands. The performance will be the first time a German band has been invited to attend.
The festival itinerary will end at Amiens’ cathedral with 200 brass-band members presenting a world premiere of music especially composed by Eric Bourdet.
The Australians will also perform Mt Clarence at the cathedral, named after the last piece of Australian coastline visible to servicemen as they sailed away from Perth to join the conflict.
