Salvation Army International Band joins Black Dyke Band for posthumous musical tribute on legendary composer’s 100th Birthday

The Salvation Army’s International Staff Band are poised to play a one-off concert at the Royal Northern College of Music on 26 January to honour the iconic brass band composer Wilfred Heaton.  

All 29 members of The Salvation Army’s premier band will be playing eight works composed for The Salvation Army by Heaton at the special concert; which takes place on what would have been his 100th birthday.  

They will be sharing the bill with the world famous, Black Dyke Brass Band, who will play a selection of Heaton’s non-religious compositions.

The spectacular concert will also see both bands taking to the stage in a joint performance.

Dr. Stephen Cobb, Bandmaster of the International Staff Band said:

“Wilfred Heaton was a hugely talented brass band composer and his output was prolific but despite all his talent, he was a profoundly shy man.  He grew up in a Salvation Army family and composed some of the Army’s most iconic band works and also some equally compelling secular music, intended to be played by a wide variety of bands.

“We’re all incredibly excited and keenly anticipating performing with the wonderful Black Dyke Band — but mostly we want to do justice to the music of Wilfred Heaton!” 

Tickets to see The Salvation Army International Staff Band and the Black Dyke Band performing from 4.30pm at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) are available on the RNCM website.

The International Staff Band makes regular visits to Salvation Army centres and churches around the UK and Ireland each month, giving concerts and leading worship.  The band has performed at many world-class venues including London's Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall and has toured the US and Canada, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.  

Visit theisb.com for more information on upcoming performances and to purchase their music online.