SOLO instrumentalists are joining forces to perform in memory of a former North-East bus company boss who championed brass music in the region.

Chris Moyes, a former chairman of Durham University Council, and a founder and subsequent chief executive of public transport company, the Go-Ahead Group, died last September, aged 56.

A keen backer of the regional arts scene, Mr Moyes was an enthusiastic follower of brass music, specifically the development of Durham University's Centre for Brass Band Studies.

As a tribute to Mr Moyes, four leading amateur brass soloists from across the North will stage a performance with the Northern Sinfonia.

The Durham Brass Soloists' Concert, at the city's Gala Theatre, will also be part of the university's 175th anniversary celebrations.

Anne Galbraith, a successor to Mr Moyes in the university council chair, said: "It's a perfect way to remember our late friend, Chris Moyes."

She said that as a member, then vice-chairman and chairman of the university council for 14 years, he instigated much of the university's development.

He was also a member of the governing body of Durham Business School, and of the university's former Graduate Society, presiding over its transition to Ustinov College.

The idea for the concert came from Durham University's conductor-inresidence, Ray Farr, who is also director of its Centre for Brass Band Studies.

He said it will bring together lovers of both orchestral and brass band music, and serve as a reminder of the region's proud brass heritage.

"There is a general perception of brass bands as low quality, trite entertainment,"

he said. "We believe this concert will help change that perception."

The performing quartet of soloists, Richard Marshall and Joe Cook, both from the Black Dyke Band, Owen Farr, of the Cory Band, and Chris Gomersall, of the Reg Vardy Band, will perform music by Grieg, Strauss, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Verdi.

Supported by the Arts Council North-East and the Go-Ahead Group, the concert is on Friday, June 15, at 7.30pm.

Tickets, costing £15, or £10 for concessions, are available from the Gala box office, on 0191-332-4041.