Band that certainly nose its stuff

SADDLEWORTH date . . . Mnozil Brass

An Austrian brass band named after its local bar is expecting capacity audiences at special concerts this month.

Mnozil Brass made its debut in Saddleworth last year and is returning to play at Uppermill’s civic hall and the Mechanics Institute, Marsden.

The seven-piece band gained an international reputation for entertaining audiences with their blend of virtuoso musicianship, unusual concert items and off-beat humour.

All graduates of the Vienna School of Music, they sing solo or as a choir — and play recorders up their noses.

Brian Taylor, founder of Diggle Brass Band and their soprano cornet, first heard of Mnozil when Swiss-born Ruth Haas moved to the village, joined the Diggle band and brought a CD to play to other band members.

He said: “Their music changed my take on brass band music for ever.

“I saw them perform live — without a conductor or any music — at the Royal Albert Hall five years ago and talked to them after the concert.

“We are delighted to host them again. Their music and on stage antics brought the house down they last time they played Saddleworth.” After their UK gigs, they are performing 20 concerts across Japan for a month before touring Australia and America later in the year.”

Mnozil Brass plays Uppermill Civic Hall on Saturday (7.30pm) and Marsden Mechanics Institute on Friday (7.45pm).

Tickets are now available on 01457-873 937 or 07906-228 827.