THE stars of the Brighton Philharmonic brass section will take centre stage at Brighton Dome as its popular Sunday afternoon series continues.

In a concert that will appeal to lovers of classical as well as jazz, expect the unexpected with a fiery blend of everything from fanfares to fugues.

It is certainly a concert which you would be foolish to miss out on so make sure you get your tickets now.

The line-up of four trumpets, four trombones, a French Horn and a tuba puts these fantastic instruments in the spotlight and promises to produce a sound that will raise the roof.

The concert opens with six Renaissance dances by Flemish composer Tylman Susato, visits the Baroque period with music from English composers William Byrd and Henry Purcell, whose Trumpet Tune and Air is a wedding staple, before fast forwarding to the 20th century when the English composer and arranger Chris Hazell wrote his jazzy, light-hearted Brass Cats suite.

It is loosely based on the cats who shared his home at the time and inspired him to compose the suite.

The concert ends with five movements of the entertaining Divertimento, by American composer Ray Premru, who was also principal bass trombone at the Philharmonia Orchestra for 30 years.

World-class Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra principal trombone player Lindsay Shilling, also principal trombone at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, encourages music lovers to come along.

He said: “I find nothing more thrilling than the sound of a brass ensemble in full voice, and the programme of brass ensemble music we are going to play could not be more diverse.

“With a timespan of more than 300 years the audience will be treated to the sounds and majesty of St Mark’s Cathedral, Venice and early English processional music, through to the jazz influenced music of Chris Hazell and Ray Premru.

“Playing in so many different styles, from a player’s point of view, is a big challenge but an enjoyable one”

The exciting programme is inspired by the brass legend Philip Jones who founded the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble in the Sixties.

Lindsay, a member of London Brass, the successor to the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, in which he also played, explains that the programme is “a nod to Philip”.

John Elliott, who will be playing tuba, is also relishing the opportunity to perform such an exciting programme in front of an appreciative audience.

He said: “Two pieces that stand out for me are Chris Hazell’s Brass Cats Suite, which is lovely listenable stuff, beautifully written, and the Jan Koetsier Symphony for Brass.

“Both pieces were originally written for the world-famous Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, and the level of virtuosity required is high.”

Tickets are available from Brighton Dome Ticket Office starting from £14.50.

There is also the added bonus of a 50 per cent discount for students/under 18s and £1 child tickets when accompanied by a full-price adult ticket holder.

Call in to book over the counter, alternatively telephone (01273) 709709 or book online at: www.brightondome.org.

Also ticket-holders can park their cars for just £6 (between 1pm and 6pm) at the NCP Church Street Car Park.