Five Lakes Silver Band — 20th Anniversary Concert

Celebrate two decades of musical excellence with the Five Lakes Silver Band at their spectacular 20th Anniversary Concert featuring an evening of brass band favorites, three world premieres, special guests, and a celebration of the musicians who have helped shape the ensemble over the past 20 years.

Led by Music Director, Christopher Ward, the program will showcase the extraordinary versatility of the British-style brass band tradition, with music ranging from powerful marches and classic brass band repertoire to contemporary works. The concert will feature three world premieres: Le Nain Rouge, a new march by Simon Morton; Celestial Odyssey by Andrew Wainwright, his unique interpretation of Gustav Holst’s The Planets; and a new finale by internationally acclaimed composer Paul Lovatt-Cooper.
The band will also perform significant works including Ray Farr’s Intrada on “Ein Feste Burg”, Ludovic Neurohr’s Remonitze, Espen Westbye’s Hypergrid, and many more. With music spanning a wide range of styles and moods, there will be something for everyone.

The celebration will continue as Five Lakes alumni join the current ensemble for several massed-band works, bringing together musicians from throughout the band’s 20-year history. Neil Barlow, former conductor of the Five Lakes Silver Band will also return to lead a special selection during the concert.

The Five Lakes Silver Band is a 501(c)(3) performing arts organization composed of world-class musicians, including professional performers, music educators, and highly accomplished amateur artists from across Southeast Michigan. In 2026, the ensemble earned one of the highest honors available to a brass band in North America, winning First Place at the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships and the title of North American Champion. In July, the band represented the United States at the World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade, Netherlands, widely regarded as the “Olympics of the Wind Music World.”

After 20 years of dedication to musical excellence, inspiration, and the British-style brass band tradition, the Five Lakes Silver Band invites you to join us for an unforgettable anniversary celebration!