HMS Unicorn, Scotland’s oldest ship, celebrated its bicentenary in 2024. Launched in 1824, this magnificent Georgian frigate has been a steadfast symbol of resilience and adaptability. For nearly a century, she served as a training ship for Navy reservists, some of whom courageously sacrificed their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Music has always been at the heart of her story, with the ship’s brass band— also known as the ‘silver band’ due to the silver plating on the instruments — resonating through her decks and beyond.

The history of HMS Unicorn provides a deeply poignant foundation for this project. Its connection to music, memory, and community sets the stage for a narrative that transcends time. For me, this project is an opportunity to honour the ship’s legacy while bringing its history to vibrant life through the power of music.

At its heart, the work draws inspiration from Dundee during the First World War, weaving a tapestry of individual stories, collective experiences, and cultural heritage. This is no ordinary performance. It is a dialogue between past and present, blending modern and historical brass instruments to evoke the emotional depth of the era.

Michael Betteridge, a British-Canadian composer known for his innovative and community-focused approach, embraced the challenge of crafting a musical work that would honour both history and humanity. The result is an eight-movement composition that alternates between modern brass quintets and historical instruments from HMS Unicorn’s collection. Each movement tells a unique story, reflecting the lives of Dundonian bandsmen who perished in the war, as well as the broader community’s wartime experiences.

Michael’s meticulous research—exploring archives, letters, and newspaper clippings—infuses the work with authenticity. Movements like “Andrew Buck (1893-1914)” and “Victor Ferrar (1896-1915)” are poignant musical tributes to individuals who sacrificed their futures. Their stories are told through melodies unique to their imagined personalities, ensuring that these personal histories are deep in the fabric of the performance.

One of the most compelling aspects of the project is its use of Unicorn’s own historical brass instruments that left Dundee for the trenches of the First World War and were afterward discovered abandoned in a cellar in Belgium before being returned to Dundee. These instruments, painstakingly restored for the project, carry the echoes of those who once played them. The sound they produce is distinct, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence that bridges the gap between eras.

Yet, this project is not confined to the past. It also embraces the vitality of the present by involving modern brass instruments to convey the energy and youth of the men who served. These contrasting sounds create a dynamic interplay, a reflection of how history continues to resonate in our contemporary lives.

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration. From professional musicians like The Wallace Collection to community groups such as the Dundee Instrumental Band and Kingdom Brass, the performance draws on a wealth of talent and passion.

Equally important is the involvement of local schools. Pupils from Dundee and Fife have participated in workshops to create their own compositions inspired by the sounds of HMS Unicorn. Guided by Michael and supported by St Andrews University students, these young creators are forging a personal connection to history while learning valuable skills in creativity and expression.

The work’s title, When the Brazen Bands Shall Play, is drawn from a poem by Dundee’s “forgotten war poet” Joseph Johnston Lee. His evocative words encapsulate the duality of brass music in war: its capacity to inspire courage and its role in memorializing loss. The movements explore themes ranging from the optimism of volunteers like Andrew Buck to the stark realities faced by conscientious objectors and the aftermath of war.

The finale, performed by a full brass band, is particularly moving. Inspired by a letter from Annie Keir Lamont, a young Dundee telegraph clerk, it envisions a future without war. The music draws on Dundee’s industrial heritage, incorporating motifs derived from local folk melodies and rhythms that mimic the city’s jute mills. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience and hope that define the human spirit.

The performances on June 8th and 9th, 2024, were not just concerts; they were communal celebrations. Hosted aboard HMS Unicorn and at Discovery Point, these events bring together diverse audiences to reflect, remember, and rejoice.

The project also highlights the enduring significance of brass music in Dundee’s cultural life. The Dundee Instrumental Band, which traces its lineage back to HMS Unicorn’s original band, embodies the continuity of this tradition. Their participation ensures that the legacy of brass music on the ship remains vibrant and relevant.

As I reflect on the performances, I am struck by the layers of meaning embedded in this project. It is a tribute to those who served and sacrificed, a celebration of community resilience, and a testament to the transformative power of the arts. Most importantly, it is a reminder that history is not static; it is alive, evolving, and intimately connected to our present and future.

For me, When the Brazen Bands Shall Play represents the culmination of a shared vision, one that honours the past while inspiring the present. It is my hope that this project will leave a lasting impact, not only on those who experience it but on the cultural landscape of Dundee and beyond.

• Watch a recorded performance of When the Brazen Bands Shall Play