News Archive
Posted 15/05/13
Return to Barnsley after 29 years with Classic, Rock and Pop.
See previous Posting 15/02/11 – you may recall the visit of Barnsley’s Worsbrough Brass Band to Schwäbisch Gmünd in 2011 at the same time as our society visit.
As a result a re- kindled partner organisation ‘First Musikverein Stadtkapelle’ are visiting Barnsley at the end of May.
The group’s first ever visit abroad was to Barnsley back in 1984 and as a result a new friendship formed between the two Musical Directors Dietmar Spiller and John Hopkinson. It had always been the ambition of Dietmar and John, indeed many discussions had taken place over the years to try to bring the Stadtkapelle back to Barnsley.
The Stadtkapelle music group is a modern ‘orchestra’ with a very wide repertoire and can perform concerts for all kinds of events.
The group plays everything from light entertainment Classic, Rock and Pop to concert pieces with modern arrangement.
Since 1984 however, the Stadtkapelle have made a trip abroad every year, mainly to their other twin towns but this is their first return to Barnsley after 29 years and as a direct result of the visit of Worsbrough Brass to Schwäbisch Gmünd in 2011.
First Musikverein Stadtkapelle is made up of a Wind Orchestra, a Marching Band, a Fanfare group for 7 to 15 year olds and ‘Youngmusix’ music groups. Members receive music lessons in wind and brass instruments as well as percussion from experts at the council run music school and the group's own qualified tutors.
They perform open air concerts around town and participate in the traditional Schwäbisch Gmünd ‘birthdays processions’ for citizens as well as the annual city festival, serenade concerts and church events. Amongst the highlights of their musical year are an autumn concert in November and a Christmas concert which is always performed on the 4th Advent.
The group undertakes regular tours in order to promote themselves and the town of Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany and many countries abroad.
2013 Barnsley in England 2012 Antibes in France
2010 Siofok/Szekesfehervar in Hungary 2009 Siofok/Szekesfehervar in Hungary
2008 Faenza/Ravenna in Italy 2007 Antibes in France
2006 Faenza/Ravenna in Italy 2005 Antibes in France
2004 Faenza/Ravenna in Italy 2003 Szekesfehervar in Hungary
2002 Faenza/Ravenna in Italy 2001 Antibes in France
2000 Faenza/Ravenna in Italy 1999 Antibes in France
1998 Szekesfehervar in Hungary 1997 Antibes in France
1996 Bethlehem in USA 1995 Szekesfehervar in Hungary
1995 Prague in Czech Republic 1994 Lidkoping in Sweden
1993 Antibes in France 1993 Lidkoping in Sweden
1992 Lidkoping in Sweden 1991 Antibes in France
1990 Antibes in France 1989 Antibes in France
1988 Antibes in France 1987 Antibes in France
1986 Antibes in France 1985 Antibes in France
1984 Barnsley in England
On 18.01.2005 Musical Director Dietmar Spiller organised a special concert with First Musikverein Stadtkapelle and other Gmünd artists under the patronage of Wolfgang Leidig, then Mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The purpose of this charity concert was to raise funds for the Tsunami victims, in particular the orphaned children in Sri Lanka.The concert attracted an audience over 1,100 people and took place in the Peter Parler concert room in the Stadtgarten in Schwäbisch Gmünd. The proceeds from this concert as well as further donations from the municipal region amounted to an enormous 117,583 Euros. The monies were used to build houses, wells and further facilities for 120 children who were affected by the tragedy. For this achievement First Musikverein were honoured with a special certificate by the federal state of Baden Württemberg.
Musical Director
Dr. Andreas Kittel
In November 2010, following the sudden death of Dietmar Spiller, Dr. Andreas Kittel took over as Musical Director of the group and also the baton of friendship.
Unfortunately, Dietmar was not to witness the visit of Worsbrough Brass Band to his hometown however, he would be delighted to know the friendship between First Musikverein Stadtkapelle and Worsbrough Brass Band has flourished and his wish to see his group back in Barnsley has been fulfilled.
The programme for their week long visit will take in many of the sights of Barnsley and surrounding areas and includes performances in Parliament Square York, Wentworth Castle as well as a special joint concert in Emmanuel Church and Barnsley Town Centre.
Sunday 26th - Visitors arrive and settle in.
Monday 27th - am. visit to Worsbrough Mill - Afternoon performance - Wentworth Castle
Tuesday 28th - visit York - both bands play performance in Parliament Square with free time to explore.
Wednesday 29th - free day (trip to Meadowhall or Sheffield) - evening around Barnsley together!
Thursday 30th – am. visit to National Mining Museum - evening joint concert at Emmanuel Church, Barnsley 7.30pm start
Friday 31st – am. perform in Barnsley town centre followed by reception with Mayor Councillor Ken Richardson and a tour of the town hall.- evening leaving party hosted by Worsbrough Brass.
Saturday 1st June – Depart
Entry is free (with a raffle ticket to help costs!) to the special joint concert in Emmanuel Methodist Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S75 1DT on Thursday 30th May - 7.30 pm start and they would really like to see you there to meet both bands and support and celebrate their twinning connection.
Let’s give them a “proper Barnsley welcome!”
