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Portsmouth Diamond Jubilee CD Is Classic FM's Album of the Week

A Diamond Jubilee CD has been released by The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth, The Royal Band, to mark the occasion of HM Queen Elizabeth II's 60^th year on the throne. 

This week John Suchet of Classic FM has selected the CD as his album of the week and will be playing a track from it each day at about 10.10am.

The music of the Royal Marines has been associated with the Royal Family for many years and the CD is certain to evoke a host of memories for the many thousands of people who have attended royal pageantries throughout the years. 

The Band's Musical Director, Major Tony Smallwood, formerly a pianist on HMY Britannia, has chosen a rich selection of music he recalls was enjoyed by HM The Queen and the Royal Family when aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, and during other celebrations.

He explains:  "I am due to leave The Royal Marines next year so wanted to leave a legacy of music that encapsulated a remarkable feat, the Diamond Jubilee, but my main aim was to help raise money for the RNRMC.

"The first track had to be the stirring tones of The National Anthem, and the ensuing collection includes a wealth of traditional patriotic favourites such as Crown Imperial, Post Horn Galop, Land of Hope and Glory, Highland Cathedral, Nimrod  and A Life on the Ocean Wave.

"One track included but not likely to be as well-known is track 4, Diamond Jubilee Tribute.  This features the voices of the Medina Community Choir from Newport, Isle of Wight, and The Senior Choir of St Catherine's School in Guildford.  It is a new arrangement of the national anthem which I would really like to see other schools and choirs trying this out for themselves and performing at local diamond jubilee events." 

The score for the Diamond Jubilee Tribute is available on request from Bandleader Publications via a link from the RNRMC website.

The CD is available for £10 + postage and all profits will go to the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).  The CD features a foreword by Patron of the RNRMC, The Princess Royal and is now available to purchase from Amazon, iTunes or direct from the RNRMC website: www.rnrmc.org.uk/products/diamond_jubilee_cd-341.

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