THE TWO Rivers Concert Band is about to feature on national radio.

The Ilkley-based group was chosen to take part in the 2018-19 Adopt a Composer project. Run by Making Music in partnership with Sound and Music, the initiative sees groups and composers collaborating to produce brand new pieces of music.

The Two Rivers Concert Band, led by Musical Director Mike O’Farrell, worked with the Leeds and Berlin based composer James Banner over a year to create his new piece, Concertino for Concert Band.

The band premiered the music by giving a show in the New Roof Space of Salts Mill, in Saltaire, last October. Now BBC Radio 3 is preparing to run a series of programmes about Adopt a Composer - and the Ilkley band’s contribution will feature in the Thursday, January 9 broadcast from 9.30pm.

The show will include excerpts from Concertino for Concert Band and interviews with the composer and band members about the piece and the whole process of collaboration.

The Two Rivers Band Chair, Les Goldman, said: “Being part of the project was an exciting challenge. We were proud of how we performed the piece, which was inspired by Ilkley and the surrounding area.

“We are now thrilled to have the chance to appear on Radio 3 and bring it to a national audience.” The band’s Spring Concert takes place at All Saints Church, Ilkley at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 4.