One World, Many Sounds, presented by Townsville Brass Band @ NAFA 2026 - Sept 27th
The magnificent Spiegeltent proved the perfect departure lounge for the Townsville Brass Band's One World, Many Sounds, a musical journey that took audiences on a whirlwind trip around the globe without ever leaving Townsville. Under the musical direction and baton of Danny Dielkens, the ensemble presented an engaging and beautifully curated program that celebrated music's ability to transcend borders, cultures and generations.
Beginning firmly on home soil with the unmistakable strains of Waltzing Matilda, the concert immediately established a sense of national pride before inviting audiences aboard for an international adventure. The journey concluded with a stirring arrangement of I Still Call Australia Home, arranged by Dielkens himself, providing a fitting and heartfelt return to Australian shores as the sun set on this afternoon of musical exploration.
Between these familiar bookends, audience members received numerous metaphorical stamps in their passports as the band transported them across continents through an eclectic and carefully chosen repertoire. Among the standout moments was a moving rendition of Bui-Doi from Miss Saigon, performed with sensitivity and emotional depth. A dramatic shift in tempo and mood followed later with the iconic Tetris theme, derived from the nineteenth-century Russian folk song Korobeiniki. Here, the percussion section truly came to life, with dazzlingly rapid work on what appeared to be the glockenspiel and xylophone drawing appreciative smiles and admiration from the audience.
The concert also showcased selections from Peter Graham's Windows of the World, a suite that perfectly matched the performance's travel theme and demonstrated the ensemble's versatility and technical control. Equally memorable was the beautiful New Zealand lullaby Hine E Hine, performed with warmth and lyricism, while the evocative theme from Dances with Wolves provided some of the event's most cinematic and atmospheric moments.
Adding another dimension was Brent Lammas, whose entertaining narration skilfully tied the program together. Adopting the persona of an airline captain announcing each destination, Lammas guided the audience through every stopover with warmth, humour and enthusiasm. His commentary provided valuable historical and cultural context for the works while also celebrating the achievements of individual musicians and recognising the long-term contributions of band members whose commitment has helped sustain the organisation over many years. These personal touches reinforced the strong sense of community and continuity that sits at the heart of the Townsville Brass Band.
In lesser hands, a concert built around a travel theme could have felt gimmicky. Instead, One World, Many Sounds succeeded because the concept was supported by thoughtful programming and excellent musicianship, woven together with well-crafted storytelling. The combination of quality performance, engaging narration and community spirit created a performance that was both entertaining and uplifting.
Beyond the impressive musicianship on display, one of the most heartening aspects of the performance was the visible diversity of the ensemble itself. The Townsville Brass Band continues to embody the community spirit that is central to community music-making, bringing together performers across a remarkable range of ages and experience levels. Some musicians are still in high school and gaining valuable ensemble experience, while more seasoned members serve as mentors, teachers and role models, nurturing the next generation of performers both formally and informally. The result is an ensemble that not only performs together but learns and grows together.
As the final notes of I Still Call Australia Home resonated through the Spiegeltent, the audience had been reminded that while music may originate from different corners of the world, it ultimately speaks a universal language. One World, Many Sounds was a delightful journey, expertly piloted by the Townsville Brass Band and warmly received by all on board.
Comments