In 2006 Brabant will be celebrating it’s 900th anniversary. On May 13th 1106 the count Van Leuven was appointed duke of Brabant. This was the birth of the duchy of Brabant. For centuries this duchy situated in the heart of the Netherlands was the primary of the seventeen provinces in the Lowlands. Brabant formed with it’s capital cities Brussels Leuven Antwerp and ‘s-Hertogenbosch the focal point for politics culture and economy. The revolution against Spain (1566-1648) caused a fracture between the North and South. The old duchy was divided into a Dutch and Belgian part. Even though each had their own historical background the bond forged in the past was partially keptalive. To this day we still have a duke of Brabant. Brabantia Aeterna takes you on a musical journey through 900 years of Brabant history. A fascinating journey portraying war and peace love and grief prosperity and adversity development and deterioration. Listen to how monks chanted bells tolled and churches were built. Or take the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries with their bustling markets builders of cities or the bleating of countless sheep across the heather. The plague tribulations soldiers and political bickering in the following centuries. Hear how the industrialisation of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries provided prosperity for the region and how to this day the following saying still applies: ‘the road to Brabant leads to a warmer world’ Brabantia Aeterna was commissioned by the Brabantse Bond van Muziekverenigingen (Brabant Music Society) in honour of its fifth anniversary.

The Dutch composer Harrie Janssen composed Adventures of the Beaume to mark the 50th anniversary of his parents wedding. The composer of the march his memories of the family home and in particular the occupation of his parents. The Janssen family earned a living as inland carriers. Beaume 'was the name of the ship of his parents. The first part of the march describes the adventures they experienced before the lock to reach the port of Antwerp. To get here was by the law of the strongest and brutal. The father of the composer had in this much support from the oldest daughter of the family. The themes in the trio reflect the carefree youth the pleasant atmosphere and the warmth and dedication in Janssen's home.

This composition based on the hymn Praise to the Lord is comprised of eight separate parts that can be played together as a concert piece or opening work. The A and B sections are different openings C is four-part arrangement of the hymn D is a solo for four saxophones or two trumpets and two trombones E is a calm intermezzo F a solo for trumpet or cornet and G and F finally are a majestic or peaceful closing section. How will you choose to present this piece on stage?

The 'Admiral Spirit' is the pride of the Navy. The ship is at sea there is no wind the sun is shining. The crew are busy piloting the ship into port in prime condition. The admiral himself will inspect the vessel. The first movement (Allegro Con Spirito) gives musical expression to the majestic ship and its toiling crew. In the second movement (Andante) the ship sails into port. It has been polished and technically everything is in order. The admiral will be proud when he inspects the ship. Third movement (Allegro Molto): the captain and his crew are nervous (modulations) while working at the 'finishing touch'. The Navy Band is ready to receive the admiral !. Hemay be proud of his flagship.

Today's society means to many people: bustle hurry quick and more ... No wonder that many are looking for (inner) tranquility and balance in their overloaded existence. Listen to music or active music is a way to relax and also to draw new energy. The repetitive motifs in Innerspace provide a relaxing effect. Enjoy and use the strength of your own 'innerspace'.

Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean “Goodbye friends goodbye and see you again!”. The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’. The composer himself says about the song ‘Although the melody is in a minor key the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye however also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add ‘blue notes’ in the harmonies this can be sensed immediately.’Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’ ends on a cheerful and positive note in fast tempo and with oriental elements in the melody: ‘L'hitra'ot Shalom’ (See you again and farewell!).

This composition of Marc Cunningham has four parts and takes place on a sunny day in a picturesque town. 1. Promenade Many people walk through the city. The band passes through the streets. People are strolling along the avenues and amorous couples are sitting on a park bench. 2. Lovey Dovey One of these couples is knee-deep in love. 3. Crispy and Creamy Here the contrasts between a crisp staccato section in two-four time signature and a smooth legato section in three-four time signature are depicted. Is Crispy the boy and Creamy the girl? 4. Farewell In the last particle the couple says goodbye. We still think back tothe walk through the city. It sounds a little less happy now. Not everyone is good at saying goodbye sometimes a tear flows.

It is true that tastes differ. Coffee has known a long history : it has been drunk since the 17th century. On one hand people drink coffee for relaxation on the other hand it is drunk to ward off tiredness or sleepiness. ‘Strong Coffee’ composed by Ron Gilmore works both ways. There will be people who will be able to relax during ‘Strong Coffee’ whereas others will experience it as a real boost. Is it a bit too strong after all such a funky Soul Beat? Then adding a little milk might help. As said before tastes differ!

Scottish Dances is based on three Scottish traditionals: Cock of the North The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond and Marie's Wedding. I. Cock of the North's name is used for multiple things or events. For example for a locomotive to a famous it seems delicious liqueur and rallies to snowboard competitions. Furthermore is Cock O' the North a nickname of a famous Duke. (The 4th Duke of Gordon). In this composition Cock of the North (a Jig) is a traditional Scottish bagpipe tune regularly played on tattoos by Pipe Bands. Not infrequently the drummers sing the text. Auntie Mary had a canary Up the leg of her trousers While she was sleeping Iwas peeping Up the leg of her trousers. II. The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond is about a sad story that took place during an revolt against the British. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie had to retreat. Two of his men were captured. One was convicted and executed while the other was released. The spirit of the executed soldier would arrive in Scotland via the 'low road' (underworld) before his companion who had still a long way to go. You'll take the high road And I'll take the low road And I'll be in Scotland afore ye But me and my true love will never meet again On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond III. In a Scottish wedding after the official ceremonies there is often danced. This is called a ceilidh. For this we use traditional Scottish music such as Marie's Wedding '. Mid dance we go back to the church where a lovely song in honor of the couple sounds. Marie's Wedding has been recorded by Van Morrison (among many others). Step we gaely on we go heel for heel and toe for toe Arm and arm and on we go all for Marie's wedding

The title Whistle for a Penny can have different meanings but brings especially to mind the difficult relationship between art and money… After a short introduction the main theme is heard. This theme is an excellent tune to whistle by the way. After lots of variation in the instrumentation as well as contrasting melodies and themes the finale sees a return to the opening bars of the composition.

In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean “Goodbye friends goodbye and see you again!”. The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’. The composer himself says about the song ‘Although the melody is in a minor key the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye however also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add ‘blue notes’ in the harmonies this can be sensed immediately.’Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’ ends on a cheerful and positive note in fast tempo and with oriental elements in the melody: ‘L'hitra'ot Shalom’ (See you again and farewell!).

The Dutch composer Harrie Janssen composed Adventures of the Beaume to mark the 50th anniversary of his parents wedding. The composer of the march his memories of the family home and in particular the occupation of his parents. The Janssen family earned a living as inland carriers. Beaume 'was the name of the ship of his parents. The first part of the march describes the adventures they experienced before the lock to reach the port of Antwerp. To get here was by the law of the strongest and brutal. The father of the composer had in this much support from the oldest daughter of the family. The themes in the trio reflect the carefree youth the pleasant atmosphere and the warmth and dedication in Janssen's home.

The Bartered Bride (Czech: Prodaná nev??sta The Sold Fiancée) is the second opera a comedy in three acts by Bedøich Smetana. The Czech libretto was written by Karel Sabina who had also written the libretto for Brandenburgers in Bohemia. Composed in 1863–1866 the work was originally envisioned as an operetta a light opera with spoken dialogue in place of sung recitatives. It was first performed in this form in 1866 in Prague. The definitive version of the work now an opera buffa was finished in 1870 and was performed the same year. The opera's overture and three dances are part of the orchestral repertoire.

A sensitive arrangement of the well loved hymn 'Spirit of the Living God'.

A tranquil setting of the song O Little Town of Bethlehem interspersed with references to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

This composition of Marc Cunningham has four parts and takes place on a sunny day in a picturesque town. 1. Promenade Many people walk through the city. The band passes through the streets. People are strolling along the avenues and amorous couples are sitting on a park bench. 2. Lovey Dovey One of these couples is knee-deep in love. 3. Crispy and Creamy Here the contrasts between a crisp staccato section in two-four time signature and a smooth legato section in three-four time signature are depicted. Is Crispy the boy and Creamy the girl? 4. Farewell In the last particle the couple says goodbye. We still think back tothe walk through the city. It sounds a little less happy now. Not everyone is good at saying goodbye sometimes a tear flows.

A sensitive arrangement of the well loved hymn 'Spirit of the Living God'.

As he did before in the often played and commonly appreciated ‘Lord Tullamore’ in which he poetically depicted the landscape and the cultural elements of a small Irish village in his composition ‘The Road to the West’ Carl Wittrock has sketched pioneer existence in America in a cinematic manner. In ‘The Road to the West’ the composer has tried to capture images of pioneer life during the period dating from 1850 to 1890 the days of the so-called Wild West. In those days the Wild West used to be the territory west of civilization the domain of cowboys trappers and other fortune hunters. In short ample ingredients for a captivating story. In the firstscene a lonely adventurer struggles against nature and the elements. After an exciting adventure he passes through ‘the Plains’ where majestic views alternated by colossal mountain ranges display an almost unimaginable beauty. After weeks of isolation civilization is reached again. ‘The Saloon’ is the perfect meeting place – here news is exchanged and hilarious scenes regularly take place.

In Theme Park Fun! your orchestra pays a visit to an amusement park. During your visit you will experience some spectacular rides and attractions this theme park offers. The uniqueness of Theme Park Fun! is the interplay between music and(moving) images. Animations and illustrations support the visual composition (downloadable after ordering a set on www.gobelinmusic.com). Part 1: The Entrance & Parade [with animation] The opening of the park is a fact. A day fullof fun and pleasure awaits! You and the other visitors will be confronted with all the rides attractions and adventures the theme park has to offer. Which ride shall we do first?! There is so much to do and experience on this day in the park! Aparade of colorful floats and park figures is passing by. Let the fun begin! Part 2: The Haunted House [with animation] The only ride in the park that is not related to fun is the Haunted House. Here visitors will be challengedto visit a house full of ghosts creepy figures and other ominous things. The clock strikes twelve there is no turning back. Ghosts are whispering yelling screaming... Fortunately it is almost one oclock so we can leave this creepy placequickly. Part 3: The Swinging Galleon [with illustrations] What a huge pirate ship! Each time you swing back and forth you will feel that weird feeling in your stomach. When you are thrown completely into the top you will have afantastic view over the park but you can not enjoy it for long. Before you know the ship swings back the other way. Part 4: The Fairy Tale Ride [with illustrations] After all those exciting and spectacular rides and attractions it is time for a peaceful tour in The Fairy Tale Ride. Surrounded by a fairytale setting you will discover fable figures talking animals and colorful designs. Such a beauty and tranquility. Having had this experience we are ready again for thebig rides in the park! Part 5: The Bumper Cars [with illustrations] Now its time to crawl behind the wheel of the Bumper Cars! Shall we all chase the conductor?! Before you know you are hit by another visitor or you will bumpagainst someone else. In this tough ride you can prove yourself as a real driver or perhaps as a really bad one. Part 6: The Roller Coaster [with illustrations] The largest fastest and scariest ride in the park ... we shoulddefinitely do the Roller Coaster! All together in the train the over-the-shoulder restraints are lowering... be ready to ride. The train leaves the station and is heading for the big lift hill. It will be very scary when the train reaches the topand the train will be plunged down the first drop! Loops corkscrews and other spectacular coaster elements will follow... Before you know it the ride of your life is over. Shall we ride it again?! Part 7: Leaving the Park [withanimation] Unfortunately everything comes to an end.