Sounding Brass (radio show)

Sounding Brass was a pioneer phone-in programme presented by Gloria Hunniford on BBC Radio 2. ^[1] Listeners were invited to choose a Christmas carol or hymn while a Salvation Army band, which included the famous Chalk Farm Band, played their requests live in the studio. ^{[2] [3]}

The brass bands had a vast repertoire and could typically play a hymn tune within forty seconds of the request being made. A guest hymnologist was available to explain the origins of the music and provide background on the composition of the lyrics. Among the regular Bandmasters who appeared was Ray Steadman-Allen, the famous Salvation Army band composer. The programme was devised and first presented by Owen Spencer-Thomas on BBC Radio London in 1977. ^[4] It ran until the mid-1990s.

Its sister programme, Sounding Brass Strikes Again, which featured top brass bands from across London, was broadcast on BBC Radio London starting on 2 August 1978. ^[5]

References

1. "What is Sounding Brass? - Blurtit". Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 2 January 2008. Blurtit website. URL accessed 2 January 2008.
2. BBC London Homepage. URL accessed 10 June 2007.
3. BBC Radio Times Genome Accessed July 21, 2015
4. Radio Times 17-23 December 1977
5. BBC Radio Times Genome ^{[ dead link ]} Accessed July 21, 2015

See also

• List of UK radio programmes