The mid-year concert Around The World with the Southern Highlands Concert Band features a piece written for the late-Highlander, titled A Mighty Man of Music.

Mr Butcher was the former musical director of the Southern Highlands Concert Band, making this concert particularly important to the musicians.

Current musical director Julian Paviour said the piece was written by his father, Paul Paviour, who was friends with Mike Butcher.

“They had a common connection, as they had both served in the British Royal Marines,” Julian said.

“The piece has three acts which capture the different moods of Mike. They are called A Happy Man, An Emotional Man and A Military Man.”

The performance of this piece will be its world premiere, acting as a memorial and celebration of Mike’s life.

“Many band members played with Mike or have connections with him, so it’s really appropriate for us to be the ones who play it first,” Julian said.

“It’s not an easy piece by any means, but it’s a great honour for us.”

Paul Paviour is known as an ‘English-born Australian composer’ and is best known for his choral compositions. He has also written eight symphonies, five stage works, five concertos and about 30 orchestral works.

The Southern Highlands Concert Band’s performance will also feature pieces from around the world, including traditional, light classical and pop works from Europe to Australia, the Americas and Africa.

“Our audiences expect a variety of music brought together as a cohesive whole, and I believe this is what we’ll deliver,” Julian said.

Around The World with the Southern Highlands Concert Band will be held May 27 at 7.30pm and May 28 at 2.00pm at the Bowral Memorial Hall, 24 Bendooley Street, Bowral.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children and students. Group discounts are available.

Book your spot online at www.southernhighlandsconcertband.org.au, at the door, at Destination Southern Highlands, 62-70 Main Street, Mittagong, or call 1300 657 559.