Royal Ypriana Wind Band to celebrate 100th anniversary in UK

Cancelled due to COVID-19

During 1920 amongst the ruins of a devastated city of Ypres, people gradually started rebuilding their homes and their lives. Musicians that had earlier been part of several ensembles joined forces and decided to establish a new music society, named YPRIANA. The band has played a major role in the city’s cultural and musical life ever since and was granted the title “Royal” in 1960. 

Exactly 100 years after its formation, the Royal Ypriana Wind Band is still a musical ambassador for the city, performing at the highest musical level in concerts and international competitions, while also contributing to the many acts of commemoration in Ypres and elsewhere.

Each year on Armistice Day the Last Post Association, Ypriana and local choirs join forces in the concerts “The Great War Remembered” at Ypres Cathedral. The Royal Ypriana Wind Band thus maintains close ties with the city of Ypres and with the Last Post Association, and is thrilled to celebrate its centenary by travelling to the United Kingdom, accompanied by a delegation of buglers .

For this international adventure, Ypriana has found partners in Southwark Cathedral, London where it will be joined by The Central Band of The Royal British Legion in a Gala Concert on Thursday 16th April 2020.

On Friday 17th April, the band will perform in Guards’ Chapel the spiritual home of the Household Division, the only Royal Military Chapel in London. The concert will feature musicians from Household Division Bands.

Each performance will be supported by the buglers from The Last Post Association.

More information: John Underhill MBE, e-mail: j.underhill@doccombe.com, 01725 514655 / 07768 533751.