
Philip Wilby's interest in composition was sparked by Herbert Howells, a composer whose extra-mural classes he attended as a violinist.
Nicholas Childs, the conductor of the Black Dyke Band, initially gained success as a euphonium soloist, touring worldwide with his brother Robert Childs as 'The Childs Brothers'.
Philip Wilby, the composer, studied music at Keble College, Oxford, and later became Professor of Composition at the University of Leeds.
Several pieces on this album, including 'A Breathless Alleluia', 'A Brontë Mass: Memory', and 'Amazing Grace: Symphonic Variations', are world premiere recordings.
The Black Dyke Band has achieved significant recognition beyond brass band circles, including a Grammy nomination in 1999 and an Oscar nomination for its contribution to the film 'Babe 2'.
The Black Dyke Band, featured on this recording, has a history spanning 150 years and was originally formed by players employed in the Yorkshire mill from which it takes its name.