Scarlet and Gold, Central Hall Westminster

A concert by The Massed Bands of the Household Division

The image of a Guardsman in his scarlet tunic and bearskin cap is truly iconic and a sight that still stirs people across the globe. Add to that world class musicianship and multiply it by 130 then you have a recipe for a great evening.

And that is exactly what is planned for the Scarlet and Gold concerts on 15th and 16th November 2012 to be held in Central Hall Westminster. What could be better than to hear these famous bands play together in the superb setting of the magnificent Central Hall? A full and varied programme of music is on offer ranging from good old foot-stamping marches to the very poignant theme from Schindler's List.

There will be performances by the Pipes and Drums of the London Regiment and the Corps of Drums of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment to add a little piquancy to the proceedings! In addition, the Senior Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Barnwell, has assembled numerous fanfare teams to augment the band in many of the programme items.

Concerts of this size by the massed bands of the Guards Division date back to 1851 when they performed at The Royal Hospital Chelsea. A series of concerts were held in the Royal Festival Hall between 1988 and 1998 and they were entitled 'Scarlet and Gold' a phrase which aptly describes the bands in all their glory and is also the title of a brilliant march written by a famous cinema organist Lloyd Thomas….it seemed a great title for the Massed Bands Concerts.

The musicians taking part are all highly professional players who have had their basic musical skills honed to perfection at Kneller Hall, the Army's School of Music.  The Senior Director has deliberately chosen the programme to showcase some of the brilliant solo artists who play in the various bands and it gives all the musicians a rare opportunity to demonstrate their superb skills.

The proceeds from the concert will be going to Household Division Charitable Funds and the retiring collection will go support other military charities.

This has been a very busy year for the bands with key roles in the Diamond Jubilee, Trooping the Colour, Beating Retreat and the Olympics to deal with as well as a full programme of other state events to handle. The concerts will be evenings of great entertainment with the added 'feel-good-factor' of knowing your money is going to support troops as they return from Afghanistan and to protect our military heritage…..so treat yourself and book now!