Irish and British army bands strike up accord

The Irish and British armies will engage in joint manoeuvres in Dublin tonight, in a dramatic example of just how far the peace process has developed.

The action takes place on the stage of the National Concert Hall at 8 p.m. when the Army No 1 Band joins the Band of the Irish Guards for a two-hour programme of favourites from both traditions.

It will be the first time a British army ensemble has played here since independence and, apart from yesterday's rehearsal, the first time the bands have played together.

And although such military standards as the Evening Hymn & Last Post will get an outing tonight, the relaxation in relations between the armies means the programme will also include a Cole Porter medley.

The visit to Ireland is part of the Irish Guards' centenary celebrations, which climax when they take part in events marking the birthday of the Queen Mother, who will also be a century old this year and who, since 1969, has presented the regiment with a bowl of shamrock every St Patrick's Day.

But the Guards' director of music, Maj Andrew Chatburn, said the visit to the State was a particular highlight: "Not to have been able to perform in Dublin would have been a great disappointment to us."

Although the bands have similar structures, with about 45 members each and a corresponding range of instruments, there are some differences. Post-independence, the No 1 Band adopted a Germanic rather than British style, partly due to the influence of its first conductor, Fritz Brase, according to its present conductor, Comdt Joe Ryan.

This means the Irish band has tended to use the flugelhorn, for example, while disdaining the saxophone beloved of the British tradition. To confuse things further, the No 1 will introduce the fiddle and bodhran into tonight's proceedings. But despite the potential for cultural misunderstandings, the traditions blended smoothly at rehearsal.

The Irish Guards' four-day visit to Dublin also includes a performance for residents of Leopards town Park Hospital, and at a centenary service of thanksgiving in St Patrick's Cathedral. Proceeds from tonight's concert will be distributed equally to Irish and British ex-servicemen's charities in Ireland.

Sinn Fein members may be attending this evening's event, but only to picket outside the Concert Hall. Calling for a public protest, the party criticised the Minister for Defence for inviting the Irish Guards and said: "What next? An invite to the Band of the Parachute Regiment?"