Composer Philip Wilby has built his reputation for writing for brass band and music for the Christian liturgy, for which he composes extemsively. His ‘An English Passion According to Saint Matthew’ was written in 2018, for Matthew Owens and the choir of Wells Cathedral. One important characteristic of the work is that the congregational hymns are taken from the collection of English tunes, published by Vaughan Williams in his English Hymnal of 1906. These hymns with their timeless melodies anchor the Passion in a very English setting.

Many of Philip Wilby’s major works works are expressions of Christian faith, and he enjoys tailoring his compositional technique to the very different demands of the skilled amateur in a brass or wind band, both in Britain and in the United States, to the church or cathedral choir, or to the finest professional soloist or orchestra. In 2008, he was granted a Dutch Government BUMA award for his innovative works for brass band, and in 2009 an honorary fellowship by the Royal School of Church Music.

He has served as the musical associate at the world famous Black Dyke Band for 15 years. Tickets available at the link below or they can be purchased at the door on the night.