UCCB embarks on European tour — sort of

Submitted by Steffan Brunette

In celebration of its 30th summer season, the Uxbridge Community Concert Band is going on a Canadian and European tour, and they're inviting everyone along! You won't need a passport or luggage, however. Listeners can enjoy the two-hour musical concert tour at Hope Church in Port Perry, and be back at home the same evening without fear of jet lag.

"Our theme this year is intended to celebrate our cultural alliances," explains director Steffan Brunette, who has led the ensemble since its formation in 1992. It was also important to include the band's request to perform a medley of songs from The Phantom of the Opera.

The result is a concert of music entitled "Friendly Spaces & Phantom Faces." Canadian-made music stretches from Newfoundland folk songs to images of a prairie wedding to the grandeur of western mountains. On the other side of the Atlantic there will be stops in Scotland, France, Belgium, and Spain. Finally, the band will also take the audience to the West End of London, where Phantom has been playing for audiences for almost 40 years.

The UCCB is a non-auditioned ensemble that involves students and adults from the community in weekly rehearsals throughout the summer, culminating in this single concert.

"All ages and all abilities come together for a few weeks to bring this music to life, and then the band is over for another season," explains Brunette.

The Euro-Canadian tour takes place at Hope Church in Port Perry on Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door on a cash-only basis, and are $10 for general admission, $5 for high school students and seniors. Children 12 and under are free.

For more information, contact uccb@rogers.com