That's the question posed in this press release, from Warrington - but surely of interest to the Brass fans here in St Helens? Snap up your tickets soon for this very special event:

Brisbane Excelsior Band and Bactiguard Wire Brass are to play a tribute concert for Goff Richards in Warrington, Cheshire on Thursday 10th September 2009.

This is one not to miss ! The top ranked brass band in Australia, Brisbane Excelsior Band, are flying half way around the world to perform at this years British Open brass band contest,. Prior to their performance at the contest they will be performing a concert with Bactiguard Wire Brass at Warrington’s Parr Hall on Thursday 10th September. (for tickets, contact the Parr Hall Box Office directly on 01925 442345).

This concert will very special not just because this will be a chance to hear Australia’s finest band. The concert will feature music by one of true great composers of Brass music Goff Richards. Goff himself will hopefully be attending this concert, which will be held in his honour. Unfortunately Goff is VERY unwell, and this concert will be a celebration of a lifetime of commitment and dedication to enhancing the Brass Band repertoire. Goff has also written many choral works and it is hoped that the two bands will be joined on stage by Warrington Male Voice Choir.

This concert will be very interesting for another reason. There is a lot of debate and speculation about the accuracy of the world rankings with regard to overseas bands (how can you compare bands from different countires when they rarely compete against each other etc!). Well, Wire Brass are currently ranked 41st and Brisbane Excelsior are ranked 42nd and they will be playing in the same event. It will be interesting to compare the two supposedly 'equal' bands !!

Please come along and pay tribute to Goff Richards and listen to two great bands.

For tickets, contact the Parr Hall Box Office directly on 01925 442345

Full details of the venue and directions etc can be found at www.pyramidparrhall.co.uk