Ralph Vaughan Williams composed Flourish for Wind Band in 1939 as an introductory piece for a pageant at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Originally intended as an overture, the work was later rediscovered and published posthumously in 1971.

This brief yet majestic composition showcases Vaughan Williams’ signature harmonic richness and lyrical melodies. Written for a full concert band, Flourish for Wind Band features soaring brass fanfares, warm woodwind passages, and a sense of noble grandeur that reflects the composer’s deep connection to English folk traditions. Despite its brevity, the piece conveys a sense of ceremonial elegance, making it a popular choice for concert openers and ceremonial occasions.

With its stately character and resonant orchestration, Flourish for Wind Band remains a staple of wind band literature, admired for its accessibility and dignified energy.

Ralph Vaughan Williams was an English composer known for his contributions to symphonic, choral, and wind band music. Drawing inspiration from English folk traditions, he developed a distinctive musical style that blended lyrical melodies with rich harmonies. His most famous works include The Lark Ascending, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and A Sea Symphony. Vaughan Williams also played a key role in reviving English folk music and was a major figure in 20th-century British classical music. His compositions remain widely performed and celebrated for their emotional depth and national character.

Program note and composer biography researched and written by Elisabeth Jackson