Song of Friendship was commissioned by the Concert Band of Jumonji University, Saitama, Japan and their conductor, Yutaka Nishida. The commission marked the 50th year of Yutaka Nishida’s involvement with bands as a player, conductor and radio presenter. The ceremonial Song of Friendship opens with an extended fanfare, largely featuring the brass section. This leads to the main theme, which develops slowly until it is played by the full band. A change of key signals a contrasting central section containing a quiet woodwind chorale, which grows until the return of the triumphant sounding main theme. Elements of the opening fanfare then close the work.