
Words Jennifer Henderson. Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, Maureen Brathwaite, Christopher Dowie, BackBeat Percussion, Gavin Carr, Cheltenham Town Hall, July 2012.
Spirit of Africa is inspired by the colours and symbolic meanings of the flags of Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya. The words and music of the five movements trace a journey through the day, with the colour white for daybreak mist, green for morning freshness, red for midday heat, gold for sunset and black for night; each with its own mood and character, hopes and fears.
Commissioned by the Cheltenham Music Festival. Photo: David Fanshawe, East Africa.

Community Music Recital | refreshments served, retiring collection for Staines Salvation Army


Katrina Marzella conducts the Brass Band Vorarlberg
In February 2026, the Brass Band Vorarlberg will make a powerful statement: the stage belongs to female composers. Under the direction of Katrina Marzella and Benjamin Markl, works celebrating the broad spectrum of female creativity will be performed.
Alongside Benjamin Markl, guest conductor Katrina Marzella will lead the Brass Band Vorarlberg, shaping an evening of music that shines a spotlight on the distinctive styles of women. Katrina Marzella is one of Europe's most sought-after conductors.
She is a driving force in the brass scene, was the first woman to conduct the European Brass Band Championships in 2025, and is the principal conductor of the Cooperation Band in Glasgow.


Katrina Marzella conducts the Brass Band Vorarlberg
In February 2026, the Brass Band Vorarlberg will make a powerful statement: the stage belongs to female composers. Under the direction of Katrina Marzella and Benjamin Markl, works celebrating the broad spectrum of female creativity will be performed.
Alongside Benjamin Markl, guest conductor Katrina Marzella will lead the Brass Band Vorarlberg, shaping an evening of music that shines a spotlight on the distinctive styles of women. Katrina Marzella is one of Europe's most sought-after conductors.
She is a driving force in the brass scene, was the first woman to conduct the European Brass Band Championships in 2025, and is the principal conductor of the Cooperation Band in Glasgow.