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4BR All England Masters Quiz: Sponsored by John Packer

NEWS

There's a fantastic pocket trumpet bundle prize to be won with our All England Masters quiz sponsored this week by John Packer.

Once again there is a great prize package sponsored by our friends at John Packer - as long as you can guess the winners of this weekend’s All England Masters International Championship in Kettering.

Pocket Trumpet, CDs and DVD

We have the brilliant JP159 pocket trumpet to be won, plus a bundle of great CDs and a DVD, including the latest ‘Electra’ from Black Dyke, Mark Wilkinson’s wonderful new release, ‘Milestone’, the 2012 All England Masters International Championship highlights and the remarkable ‘Masterclass’ DVD from David Childs.

It's all worth well over £200.00.

The added bonus is that you can choose your own colour too—from Red/Blue/Green/Black/Silver plate or lacquer

Find out more

Find out more about the JP159 at:

http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=17019#.UaBQMrVOR8E

The winner

All you have to do is pick who you may think will win in Kettering on ‘A Kensington Concerto’—and as long as it’s the same as the judges come the results then you will be in with chance of winning the prize!!

Simples....

Beware:

Its a bit of a roll over for this one as we had over 400 entries for the Grand Shield—and not one picked the winning duo of Milnrow and Kirkintilloch, so it may be a little harder than it first looks....

The competitors are:

1. Aveley & Newham
2. Bournemouth Concert
3. Brass Band Willebroek
4. Concorde Brass
5. Friary Guildford
6. Hammonds Saltaire
7. Hepworth
8. Kortrijk
9. Marsden Silver Prize
10. NASUWT Riverside
11. Newstead Brass
12. Regent Brass
13. Seindorf Beaumaris
14. Skelmanthorpe
15. Staines
16. Thoresby Colliery
17. Tongwynlais Temperance
18. Tredegar
19. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield)
20. Virtuosi GUS
21. Wantage
22. Zone One Brass

Clues:
Just take your pick of who you think may win!

Closing date:
All answers for this one must be received by 4BR before the announcement of the results on Sunday 26th May.

Tickets for the Masters can be purchased by ringing the Lighthouse Theatre Box Office on 01536 414141,

Please put a contact telephone number on your entry so that if you win we can get in touch ASAP!

Answers
E-mail:
E-mail us the answer at:

Advert: County Instruments

NEWS

The Ray Farr 'Signature' flugel is already making a mark on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean...

Despite having only had a Ray Farr ‘Signature’ flugel horn for just over two weeks, Andrew Seymour of the Central Ohio Brass Band recently put it to the test during the North American Brass Band Association Championships in Cincinnati.

Play and sell!

Andrew saw the flugel at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester during a visit to the RNCM Festival of Brass earlier in the year and immediately not only wanted one, but asked to be involved with selling it in the USA!

He told County Instruments: "To start out let me say that I WILL be playing it at the North American Championships. There is probably no better testimony to a horn than casting aside one that I have played for 9 years in favour of the Ray Farr ‘Signature’ Raw Brass flugel."

Exquisite

And after the performance he was equally as impressed too!

"It’s pitch and tone colours were exquisite in all ranges. We competed early on Saturday and other than during our competition time, the flugel was on display with me at our stand, where it created a great deal of excitement and interest.

I was also very excited to have people play this horn. Many in our band had a go - including our MD and they were stunned by its response, tone colour and consistency of pitch."

Wonderful sound

Andrew added: "Some interesting expletives were muttered by our MD as she went higher and higher and produced such a wonderful sound and on pitch too...and she is a trombone player!

My MD was delighted with the sound of the flugel on the test piece and on our own choice piece. I had some very high and melodic passages that seemed much easier playing the Ray Farr flugel."

Speaking volumes

Chris Waters, the man behind the flugel’s design, said he thought this spoke volumes about the performance of the instrument.

"For someone to enter a competition as high profile as the NABBA Championships, with so little time to get the feel for an instrument, is testament to its intonation and quality of playing!"

More information:

For more information contact:-
Chris Waters
County Instruments

www.rawbrassflugel.co.uk

Report & Results: 2013 Aalbourg Festival

NEWS

A relaxed competitiveness saw Skanderborg Brass win the 6th Aalbourg Festival in Denmark.

One of the most relaxing brass band contests of the year took place in Denmark last weekend, when a record turnout of 15 lower section bands and ensembles took part in the 6th Aalbourg Festival.

Key

Enjoyment was the key word, with competitors providing entertainment sets ranging in length from around 15 to 25 minutes mixed in with various BBQ ensembles of different sizes and instrumentation who provided their own programmes for the adjudication team of Robert Childs, Huw Thomas, Stig Mærsk and Russell Gray.

On the Saturday evening a packed audience enjoyed a Gala Concert featuring the Danish National Youth Band with guest soloist Russell Gray, who entered into the relaxed musical mood with solos that ranged from Harry James and Ivor Bosanko to George Michael.

Refreshing

Dr Robert Childs, who also gave a well attended low brass masterclass on the Sunday morning to players from each of the competing bands, told 4BR that the inventive approach was refreshing change.

"It really was an enjoyable event. The standard of competition playing was very good, with the bands having to play Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Passing By’ as a form of set work.

The materclasses provided by the adjudication team were well attended by eager students too—and that was after a wonderful late night party that everyone enjoyed!"

Impressed

Huw Thomas was also impressed by the set up that encouraged an inclusive atmosphere of friendly competitiveness.

"It was great to be a part of such an inventive contest set up. We even had a superb singer as a featured soloist with the B Section winners who delivered a belting rendition of ‘Skyfall’ that Adele would have been proud of!"

He added: "Everyone wanted to enjoy themselves, but also learn something from the experience—with the masterclasses on the Sunday morning a real treat to be part of."

Copy

Russell Gray was also impressed by the enthusiasm. "My conducting masterclass was one of the best I’ve been part of—and summed up the whole event: There is a bit of blueprint here for others over the banding world to try and copy."

Father

There was also a lovely touch this year with a prize given by Scandinavian Brass and Woodwind in memory of the great ‘father of Danish brass banding’, Herbert Møller. The first winner was Gunnar La Cour.

Winners

The eventual Section A winners were Skanderborg Brass Band conducted by Gert Skovlod Hattesen, who opened with the march, ‘Knight Templar’, followed by ‘Strike up the Band’ and the set work ‘Passing By’.

They followed this with ‘The Children of Sanchez’ featuring best soloist winner, Svend Lykkegaard, before finishing with ‘La Danza’.
Organiser Henrik Juul-Pedersen, later told 4BR it was hoped that in the next few years the contest will develop to include the elite bands in Norway and from the rest of Scandinavia.

"We are very pleased with the contest this year, and it would be great if we can now increase the scope of the event to include the elite Danish bands and perhaps even some from other parts of Scandinavia and maybe even the UK."

Results:

Section A:
1. Skanderborg Brass Band
2. Svogerslev Blæserne
3. Frederikshavn FDF Brass Band
4. Hjørring Brass Band
5. Peder Most Garden

Best Soloist: Flugelhorn (Skanderborg Brass Band)
Best March: Svogerslev Blæserne
Best Conductor: Henrik Juul-Pedersen (Hjørring Brass Band)

Section B:
1. Thy-Mors Hjemmeværsnorkester
2. Brovst Pigegarde
3. Aalborg Brass Band
4. Hjallerup FDF Brass Band
5. Hjemmeværnsdistrikt Nordjyllands Musikkorps

Best Soloist: Solo singer (Thy-Mors Hjemmeværsorkester)
Best March: Brovst Pigegarde
Best Conductor: Torben Kjær (Thy-Mors Hjemmeværsorkester)

Section C:
1. Frederikshavn Talentband
2. Løgstør Garden
3. Brovst Pigegardes Talentband
4. Tordenskiold Garden
5. Superblæserne - Brønderslev Musikskole

Best Potential: Superblæserne - Brønderslev Kulturskole
Best Soloist: Tordenskiold Garden
Best March: Brovst Pigegardes Talentband
Best Conductor: Marie Bak (Løgstør Garden)

Best New Composition Frederikshavn Talentband
Best Soloist under 21: Michael Rebild (Frederikshavn Talentband)
BBQ Ensembles: Concord Ensemblet
Herbert Møllers Prize: Gunnar La Cour

Salzburg Festival conducting award for Gernon

NEWS

Former National Youth Band of Great Britain player Ben Gernon has won a prestigious international conducting competition in Salzburg.

Former National Youth Band of Great Britain tuba player Ben Gernon has won the prestigious Nestle and Salzburg Young Conductors Award, and with it the opportunity to direct the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra in a Festival concert at the Felsenreitschule later this year.

Latest high profile success

It is the latest high profile success for the 23 year old, who played in the National Youth Band between 2004 and 2008. The final of the event saw three conductors’ direct performances during a weekend of festival concerts, with Ben leading the Camerata Salzburg and pianist Sophie Pacini in works by Peter Maxwell Davies, Mozart and Beethoven.

In addition to his concert prize, he also claimed the prize of €15,000 after beating off the challenge of 81 of the world’s leading conductor’s under the age of 35.

Sir Colin Davis

Ben studied tuba and conducting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Sir Colin Davis and Martyn Brabbins, and has worked with orchestras from London to Sweden. He made his professional debut with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in the St Magnus Festival, in Orkney in 2011 and has been invited to return to the festival to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra next year.

In 2012 he won the second prize in the Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition and is now principal conductor of the Southwark Youth Orchestra as well as working with Gustavo Dudamel during his Los Angeles Philharmonic residency at the Barbican in London earlier this year.

Great musicality

Jury Chairman Ingo Metzmacher stated: "The three concerts had a very high level. The jury decided quickly and unambiguously for young Ben Gernon from Great Britain.

His great musicality and his special connection with the orchestra convinced us."

Most important

Artistic Director Alexander Pereira, added: "At the recent award ceremony for the International Opera Awards in London, several experts confirmed to me that the ‘Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award’ is among the most important initiatives for giving young conductors a platform for their later career.

This year, we are delighted that we are able to give Ben Gernon the opportunity to conduct the Prize Winner’s Concert with the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra as part of the Salzburg Festival on August 17th."

National Youth congratulations

National Youth Band Administrator Philip Biggs also added his congratulations, adding that the seeds of his conducting career may well have first been sown by Bramwell Tovey on a NYBBGB course a few years ago.

He later went on to win the 2009 National Association of Brass Band Conductors, 'Young Conductor of the Year' Competition.

"I’m sure everyone in the banding movement and especially those associated with the National Youth Band is thrilled by hearing about Ben’s wonderful success."

He added: "I recall Bramwell Tovey (who also offered his congratulations to Ben through his Twitter account) giving Ben the opportunity to conduct the band in one of his popular masterclasses when he was a player with the band, so the seeds may have been sown there!"

Report & Results: 2013 German Open

NEWS

Oberschwaben-Allgau create a title winning firestorm in Chemnitz to take German Open title.

Brass Band Oberschwaben-Allgäu conducted by Peter Schmid has won the 2013 German Open title at the Deutsche Musikfest in Chemnitz.

Narrow margin

The former B Section European champion beat their Austrian rivals Oberösterreichische Jugend Brass Band by the narowest of margins to claim the title with 2012 Euro champions 3BA Concert Band in third.

The winners opened their 40 minute programme with the march ‘Jubilee!’ by Paul Drury, followed by Philip Sparke’s ‘Partita’, ‘S'isch ä-bene Mönsch uf Ärde’ by Thomas Ruedi and their own choice test piece, ‘Firestorm’ by Stephen Bulla.

Improving

Principal cornet Uli Bestfleisch told 4BR that the result showed that Oberschwaben-Allgäu were continuing to improve under the baton of their exciting young conductor.

"It is a great result for us and we are very happy," he said. "We are improving all the time and want to be able to compete against other brass bands on a more regular basis."

In the First Section, a clear victory went to Brass Band Sachsen conducted by Johnny Ekkelboom.

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicators: Hannes Buchegger, Stefan Fritzen

1. Brass Band Oberschwaben-Allgäu (Peter Schmid)—90.5pts
2. Oberösterreichische Jugend Barass Band (Karl Geroldinger)—90.0pts
3. 3BA Concert Band (Franz Matysiak)—87.5pts
4. Cologne Concert Brass ( Heinrich Schmidt)—83.5pts

First Section:
Adjudicators: Hannes Buchegger, Stefan Fritzen

1. Brass Band Sachsen (Johnny Ekkelboom)—89.0pts
2. Nordbayerische Brass Band (Mathias Wehr)—85.0pts
3. Brass Band Blechlang Jena (Alexander Richter)—82.0ot
4. Berlin Concert Brass (David Rodeschini) - 80.5pts

Report & Results: 2013 De Luxemburgse Muziekfederatie

NEWS

Buizingen's little green men claim yet another banding title

Brass Band Buizingen included a repeat performance of their recent European Championship own choice work, ‘When World’s Collide’ in winning the De Luxemburgse Muziekfederatie Union Grand-Duc Adolphe internanational competition held in Luxembourg.

150th anniversary

The event was held as a part of the 150th anniverasay celebrations of the organisation and saw bands from Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Germany take part.

The two legged event saw the Belgian champion under the direction of Luc Vertommen, play the set work, ‘Connotations’ by Edward Gregson followed by their own choice programme that included Nigel Clarke’s amazingly inventive tribute to the 1950’s Hollywood sci-fi movies, subtitled, ‘Little Green Men in Interglatic Spaceships with Rayguns and Phasers’.

Principal cornet Harmen Vanhoorne also delivered a sparkling account of ‘Fortune’s Fool’ written for him by his great friend Stan Nieuwenhuis.

3,000 first prize

The open competition organized by renowned Dutch conductor Jan Cobert saw the band claim the 3,000 Euro first prize and a ‘Great Distinction’ award ahead of Concordia Vetroz from Switzerland, who also performed ‘Triastan Encounters’ conducted by Geo-Pierre Moren, with Brassband de Waldsang of the Netherlands in third.

Results:
Set work/Own Choice: Total

1. Brass Band Buizingen (Luc Vertommen): 94.5/97.5 = 96.00
2. Concordia Vetroz (Geo-Pierre Moren): 94.25/96.25 = 95.25
3. Brassband De Wâldsang (Rieks van der Velde): 92.25/88.5 = 90.38
4. Brass Band du Conservatoire d’Esch-sur-Alzette (Guy Conter): 80.8/89.5 = 88.88
5. Brass Band Düren (Martin Schadlich): 82.00/83.5 = 82.75

Mead set for German spotlight

NEWS

Euphonium star Steven Mead is to perform at the prestigious Deutsches Musikfest in Germany.

Euphonium star Steven Mead is set to perform as the guest soloist at the famous Deutsches Musikfest (German Music Festival) in the city of Chemnitz, in Saxony.

Every five years

15,000 musicians descend on the city for 4 days every five years for music making, seminars, workshops and concerts.

Steven will perform in the prestigious Gala Concert on Saturday 11th May at the Opera House with the Polizeiorchester Bayern (Munich Police Band), one of the top professional wind bands in Germany.

Premiere

The main featured contribution will be the premiere of ‘Euphonic’ by the leading Austrian composer Franz Cibulka - a groundbreaking new work in jazz/big band style.

Honour

Steven told 4BR: "It’s is a huge honour to be invited to play at this historically important German music festival, and to have the euphonium as the featured solo instrument is an indication of how much it has become accepted in this country in the last 20 years.

I'm looking forward to the premiere of ‘Euphonic’ very much indeed. It is a quite amazing work!"

Artistic Director

In addition to his busy solo schedule, Steven has also been appointed Artistic Director of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the world, based on the island of Jeju, South Korea.

This annual festival invites bands from all round the Asia, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, as well as bands from Europe and USA.

Steven is the first European artistic director in the festival's 18 year history and he hopes that in his four year tenure he can help promote brass band representation at the event.

Great year for Pleasley - so far....

NEWS

Things are on the up and up for the ambitious Pleasley Colliery Band it seems...

2013 is turning into a great year for Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band.

The band started the year at the Butlins Mineworkers Contest with a well deserved 2nd place in the Fourth Section, which was soon backed up by claiming runner up spots in both the 3rd and 4th sections at the Leicester Brass Band Association contest.

Bounce back

February saw the band come second at the NEMBBA contest, and after a 6th place finish at the Midlands Area contest they bounced back with victory at the recent Buxton Brass Band Festival

Great start

Band spokesperson Nick Harris told 4BR: "It’s been a great start to the 2013 season—and we hope there is more success to come."

He added: "We are celebrating the release of our first CD, entitled, ‘Blaze Away’ and the filming of our part in the forthcoming television series with the celebrity chefs, the Hairy Bikers at the Pleasley Colliery Pit Top Museum."

Report & Results: 2013 European Championships

NEWS

The sound of Welsh cheers and a tenor voice accompany Cory's success at the European Championships in Oslo.

There could have been no finer example of the pride that comes with being crowned Champions of Europe, than the sound of Cory Band Manager Austin Davies belting out the Welsh national anthem to a packed auditorium at Oslo’s Konserthus.

Delight

Backed by a lone cornet accompaniment, he wouldn’t have claimed to have had the greatest tenor voice in Treherbert, let alone Europe - but that didn’t matter at all, after his impromptu performance of a bravura rendition of ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ received a wonderful show of appreciation from a delighted audience.

All a very proud and emotional Welshman cared about was that whilst he sang at the top of his voice, he was also holding the iconic European Trophy in his grasp, as Cory reconfirmed their status as the number one band in the world at the conclusion of what had been a thrilling championship contest.

Clarion call

It was also something of a unique clarion call to the Cory players to race to the stage to join in the celebrations, with conductor Philip Harper finally making his way through the throng of well wishers to raise the famous trophy in the air in triumph.

A clearly stunned MD, heaped praise on both his band and composer Philip Sparke who the band had commissioned to write their own choice work, ‘Perihelion—Closer to the Sun’.

Privilege

"I don’t think it can get any better than this," Philip said. "It’s such a privilege to be able to conduct Cory—and to play music as brilliant as Philip Sparke gave us.

I owe them both such a lot for this victory. They gave me everything I asked for and the players produced two magnificent performances. I think I may have to learn the Welsh anthem now!"

The importance of the win was not lost on their singing Band Manager either. "Philip has now made this band his own," Austin added.

"I’ve been involved with Cory for many years but this has to go down as one of our greatest victories."

Knife edge

As Cory celebrated though, the players and supporters of Eikanger Bjorsvik were left to reflect on a result that had been balanced on a knife edge all weekend.

Talking to the adjudicators after the event, it soon became apparent just how scalpel-thin that contesting blade was.

4BR was told that the three judges (Phillip McCann, Ivan Meylemans and Preben Norgoord) were implacably split between the Welsh and the Norwegians as to who should come out on top following contrasting performances of Stig Nordhagen’s engrossing set work, ‘Myth Forest’ on the Friday.

After much discussion, entrenched opinions saw Cory gain what proved to be a priceless one point margin over their rivals, with Black Dyke a further two points behind in third.

Own choice discussion

Meanwhile, it was also revealed that there was also a great deal of discussion between the trio of own choice adjudicators (Garry Cutt, Arsene Duc, Cathrine Winnes Trevino) as to the margin of victory between Eikanger and Cory on the Saturday.

Only a majority vote ensured the Norwegians beat their rivals by just a single point with their performance of ‘Spiriti’, with Brass Band Buizingen in third.

On such small margins are major championships won—and with Cory and Eikanger tied on 191 points, the European title headed back to the valleys of the Rhondda rather than to fjords of Hordaland.

Gracious

Although disappointed by missing out on a third title on home soil, supporters of Eikanger (who were once again followed by a television crew from their national broadcasting corporation), were gracious in defeat.

Former soprano star Frode Ryland told 4BR. "Our congratulations of course go to Cory, but we couldn’t have done anything more. The result shows just how close we came, but not close enough.

I felt we played superbly on the set work and did enough on our own choice—but it wasn’t to be. Perhaps our luck will change in Scotland next year."

Back to Birmingham

For Black Dyke, an appearance in Perth will now depend on the Queensbury band winning the English National title in Birmingham next month, after they ended third overall.

A brace of powerful performances, especially on their own choice selection of Edward Gregson’s ‘Symphony in Two Movements’ gained widespread approval in the hall, with principal cornet Richard Marshall claiming the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award for his superb playing.

However, both sets of judges were not as impressed, placing them third on the Friday and fourth on the Saturday, to leave them five points behind their rivals overall.

High class low countries

The contest also saw further confirmation of the high class competitive quality of banding in the European Low Countries of Belgium and Holland, with Brass Band Buizingen and Brass Schoonhoven coming fourth and fifth.

Buizingen’s pulsating performance of Nigel Clarke’s, sci-fi inspired ‘When World’s Collide’ certainly provided the talking point of the own choice section on Saturday, whilst Schoonhoven’s lyrical interpretation of the set work on the Friday saw many people tip them as a real contender for the title too.

Contrasts

Two contrasting performances from the Swiss of Brass Band Fribourg (especially with their own choice rendition of ‘Spiriti’) saw them pip Leyland to sixth place, who gave the world premiere of Peter Meechan’s ‘Fragile Oasis’.

Meanwhile, the French representatives of Paris Brass Band gave a startling indication of their rapidly emerging potential in coming eighth, gaining a deserved standing ovation for their evocative playing of their own choice selection of ‘Audivi Media Nocte’.

Rebuilding

Just a little further back in the overall classifications came Windcorp from Sweden, who choose to play an intriguing own choice work by their own principal cornet player Henrik Glanneskog entitled ‘Sequences’.

The remaining two places were taken by bands in something of a process of European rebuilding, with Brass Band Oberosterreich under the direction of Hans Gansch (who also took the opportunity to play cornet in the opening quartet of ‘Extreme Makeover’) ending tenth, with Lyngby Taarbaek who produced a brace of solid performance over both days in eleventh.

Results:

Adjudicators:
Set work: Phillip McCann, Ivan Meylemans, Preben Norgoord
Own Choice: Adjudicators: Garry Cutt, Arsene Duc, Cathrine Winnes Trevino

Test piece: 'Myth Forest' (Stig Nordhagen)
(Draw): Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Cory (Philip Harper) (5/2): 95/96 = 191 pts
Perihelion—Closer to the Sun (Philip Sparke)

2. Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag (Prof David King): (8/4) 94/97 = 191pts
Spiriti (Thomas Doss)

3. Black Dyke (Dr Nicholas Childs): (10/5) 92/94 = 186pts
Symphony in Two Movements (Edward Gregson)

4. Brass Band Buizingen (Luc Vertomenn): (3/10) 89/95 = 184pts
When World’s Collide (Nigel Clarke)

5. Brass Band Schoonhoven (Erik Jansen): (2/6) 91/91 = 182pts
From Ancient Times (Jan van der Roost)

6. Brass Band Fribourg (Frederic Theodoloz): (9/7) 90/92 = 182pts
Spiriti (Thomas Doss)

7. Leyland (Michael Bach): (6/9) 88/93 = 181pts
Fragile Oasis (Peter Meechan)

8. Paris Brass Band (Florent Didier): (1/1) 87/90 = 177pts
Audivi Media Nocte (Oliver Waespi)

9. Windcorp Brass Band (Alexander Hanson) (11/3) 85/88 = 173pts
Sequences (David Glanneskog)

10. Brass Band Oberosterreich (Hans Gansch): (4/11) 83/89 = 172pts
Extreme Makeover (Johan de Meij)

11. Lyngby-Taarbaek (Selmer Simonsen): (7/8) 84/87 = 171pts
The Promised Land (Kenneth Downie)

Solo Prize: Richard Marshall, (Cornet) - Black Dyke

Report & Results: 2013 European Conductors Competition

NEWS

Kalle Suuava of Finland becomes the 2013 European Conductors Champion in Olso

The first major title of the 2013 European Brass Band Championships was decided on Thursday evening in Oslo, when Kalle Kuusava of Finland won the 6th European Conductors Contest.

Adam Cook of the United Kingdom was runner up, with Dominik Koch of Germany in third.

Energetic win

Kalle claimed the first prize of 3,000 Euros after he impressed the international panel of adjudicators with his direction of Robert Simpson's 'Energy'.

He got through to the final after first battling his way through three preliminary rounds that saw also him conduct the Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra as well as the Oslo Brass Band.

Precise direction

Although the audience for the final was sparse in number, they were certainly impressed by his precise direction of Oslo, on what is regarded as one of most difficult conductor's pieces in the brass band repertoire. They also voted to award him the 'Audience Prize'.

Confident Cook

Meanwhile, the Oslo band members were impressed by Northern Ireland's Adam Cook, representing the UK.

The Becontree Brass MD, showed a great deal of confidence in leading them through a finely structured performance of Edward Gregson's, 'Dances & Arias' to claim the 2,000 second place award, as well win the 'Band Award' for his fine efforts.

Adam was delighted at his achievement, which he felt would have a great impact upon his future development as a conductor.

"I'm thrilled to have come runner up, as the quality of the competitors not just in the final was incredible," he said. "I'm so glad that I took the opportunity to come here, and I really do think the experience will benefit both me and the bands I conduct in future."

Dom delight

German representative Dominik Koch also won many admirers for his flamboyant conducting style during the week, and especially during his engaging direction of Wilfred Hetaon's, 'Contest Music' which saw him claim the 1,000 Euro third prize.

He too hopes to work with more brass bands in future.

"I am taught by Maurice Hamers, and he has helped me a great deal with understanding brass band repertoire. Now I hope to be able to use this experience to work with more bands both in Europe and the UK if I have the opportunity."

Opera work

The winner has worked for the last four years as an operatic accompanist at the magnificent Oslo Opera House, and revealed that until this week, he had never conducted a brass band in his life.

"I saw the advertisement for the competition and thought I would give it a go," Kalle told 4BR.

"I want to become an orchestral or symphonic conductor in time, but I have now been bitten by the brass band bug, and would love to conduct a top band in the UK."

Fan

Kalle has also become a fan of the repertoire too - and especially of Robert Simpson's work, which he found very demanding.

"It looked quite easy when I first looked at the score, but what a difficult piece it turned out to be! It was so difficult to get the right pace and flow, and I was very grateful to the band who really helped me so much. I would love to conduct more of Simpson's works after this."

Results:
Adjudicators: Peter Szilvay, Dr Robert Childs, Ivan Meylemans, Hans Urbanek, Fried Dobbelstein

1. Kalle Kuusava (Finland)
2. Adam Cook (United Kingdom)
3. Dominik Koch (Germany)

Audience Award: Kalle Kuusava
Band Award: Adam Cook

Further details to follow, but please go to: goo.gl/vhL1e

2013 Europeans: Results to your mobile

NEWS

We will be sending out the 2013 European Championship results as a FREE text message.

Not going this weekend?

4barsrest will we be providing our comprehensive live text coverage of the event, and Twittering our way through the contest but you can also receive the results as a FREE SMS to your mobile as soon as the results are announced.

All you need to do is sign up, log in and give us your mobile number.

Not got an account yet?

Create an account with us - it'll only take a few minutes.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/create.asp

Already got an account?

Log in and check you have supplied your mobile number in the correct format and ticked the box to receive the text message.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/login.asp

4BR Quiz: Sponsored by Ev-entz

NEWS

There's a great prize to be won with our European Championships quiz sponsored this week by Ev-entz.

Once again there is a great prize package sponsored by our friends at Ev-entz - as long as you can guess the winners in Oslo.

Light and sound package

We have a pair of TGI music stand dual lights to be won, plus six of the latest CD releases from Foden’s, Brett Baker, the Masters 2012, the Birmingham Citadel Band, the wonderful trumpet player Jonathan Freeman-Attwood and cornet star Jim Hayes.

Oslo 2013

All you have to do is pick who you think will win the 2013 European Championships in Oslo this weekend.

The competitors are:

A. Black Dyke
B. Brass Band Buizingen
C. Brass Band Fribourg
D: Brass Band Oberosterreich
E: Brass Band Schoonhoven
F: Cory
G: Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag
H: Leyland
I: Lyngby Taarbaek
J: Paris Brass Band
K: Windcorp Brass Band

Clues:

Just take your pick of who you think may win!

Closing date:

All answers for this one must be in by 8.00pm (GMT) Saturday 4th May.

The overall winner will be chosen at random from the list of correct entries.

How to enter

Email us the answer at:

Flemish Open seeks 2014 entrants

NEWS

The Flemish Open is looking for bands for its 2014 event.

The Flemish Open Brass Band Championships is looking entice entrants from all over Europe to perform at its 2014 event, which will be held at the wonderful City Theatre in Mechelen.

Four sections

There will be four sections open to bands on the weekend of the 5th/6th April 2014, with a substantial prize list, international adjudication panels and the opportunity for bands to perform in concert in the historic city itself.

Closing date

Bands will have to perform a short set work, in a 30 minute programme.

Any band that would like to take part has until 30th November to register their interest.

More information

For more information, go to:
http://www.vobk.org/en/2013/04/29/register-now/

Euro conducting finalists announced

NEWS

The trio of young conductors hoping to win the 6th European Conductor's Competition in Oslo on Thursday evening have been announced.

The European Brass Band Championships are already underway in Oslo, with the first major final of the event taking place at the Oslo Konserthus on Thursday evening, when a trio of talented conductors look to win the 6th European Conductor’s contest.

Whittled down

The 16 contenders have been whittled down through three rounds of competition and will now face the daunting task of impressing a panel of adjudicators that include Peter Szilvay, Hans Urbanek, Fried Dobbestein, Ivan Meylemans and Robert Childs.

Finalists

The three finalists conducting Oslo Brass Band are Adam Cooke from England, who will direct Edward Gregson’s ‘Dances & Arias’, Dominik Koch of Germany who will conduct Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Contest Music’ and Kalle Huusava of Finland who lead the band on Robert Simpson’s ‘Energy’.

Reached final

Adam and Dominik reached the final by conducting the Norwegian Radio Orchestra on Weber’s ‘Der Freischütz’ Overture, with Kalle directing Verdi’s ‘La Forza de Destino’.

Ponty duo set for Oslo

NEWS

Pontypool Brass will be providing Wales with two leading performers at the Euros this weekend.

Two top men from Pontypool Brass will be enjoying themselves in Oslo this weekend.

Cory and Youth Band

MD Owen Farr will be flying with Welsh representatives Cory to take part in the Blue Riband Championship Section event, whilst the band’s principal cornet player, Rob Spencer, has been performing with the European Youth Band.

Rob, 18, is a sixth form student at Fairwater Comprehensive School in Cwmbran, and is one of three players representing Wales.

He is also a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales as well as a player with a wide variety of county ensembles in the Torfaen and Greater Gwent area. He has been principal cornet with Pontypool Brass since the band reformed in 2010.

Proud

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Pontypool Brass is very proud of them both and would like to wish both of them all the very best for what should be a memorable event."

Report & Results: 2013 Grenland Festival

NEWS

Oslofjord triumphant in Grenland as they take title under the baton of Garry Cutt.

There was plenty of high quality contesting to enjoy in Norway less than a week before the European Championships take place in Oslo, as Garry Cutt led Oslofjord Brass to the Grenland Festival title.

With defending champion Eikanger Bjorsvik concentrating their efforts on their Euro assault, and with previous winners Manger and Stavanger not entering this year, just three rivals battled it out for the Elite Division honours over the trio of church service, test piece and own choice disciplines.

Oslo connection

There was however a musical connection with the European contest, with the atmospheric set work, ‘Searching for Light’ written by Stig Nordhagen, whose ‘Myth Forest’ will provide the test for Europe’s best bands at the Oslo Konserthus this coming weekend.

The winning conductor will also be heading back across the North Sea in a few days time to adjudicate at the event, although for the time being Garry Cutt was still enjoying the feeling of adding yet another title to his career CV.

"I judged here last year and had a wonderful time, so it was great to be able to come back again and win with Oslofjord," he said.

"I last worked with them about eight years ago, and they are now a very good band. I was delighted at the way they performed on such a wide variety of musical genres. Eric Ball’s ‘Kingdom Triumphant’ in the superb acoustic of the Grenland Cathedral was something to cherish."

Triumphant

The Friday Church Service discipline saw Oslofjord open with ‘Fest Musik der Stadt Wien’, followed by cornet soloist Ragnhild Mork delivering a tender rendition of ‘Rusalka’s Song to the Moon’. ‘I’ll Walk with God’ and ‘Kingdom Triumphant’ rounded off their programme.

The following day, the band produced a finely shaped reading of the set work, before changing moods with an own chocie set that included ‘Four French Dances’, ‘The Great Revival’, ‘The Holy Well’ played by ‘Best Soloist’ prize winner Marie Jännesjø on euphonium, ‘The Melody Shop’ march, ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ and the ‘Finale’ from ‘Faust’.

Odd aid

Garry also revealed that the victory was aided by a quite unusual piece of percussion equipment too. "It’s the only time I’ve had a percussionist use a drum with a skin that has been made out of a deer’s womb! That really was a first!"

With Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen leading Oster Brass into second place, the final podium spot was taken by Montebello Brass—although they did not register a points total as they chose not to perform the set work.

First Division:

In the First Division, Hasle Brass successfully defended their title under the baton of Robert Solberg Nilsen, with soprano player Thorbjorn Refn winning the ‘Best Soloist’ prize for his performance of ‘Flowerdale’.

Although the band didn’t top the set work discipline on Torstein Aagaard - Nilsen’s ‘Abstractions’, their overall consistency in the church service and own choice sections saw them retain their title from rivals, Rong Brass, with Radoy Brass in third.

Second Division:

In the Second Division, the talented young players of Manger Folkehøgskules Brassband, who made such an impression on the banding public on their recent visit to Wales, secured the title thanks in part to the fine contribution of ‘Best Soloist’ winner, solo cornet player Rinat Arzumov.

Fagernes Musikkorps claimed the honours on the set work, ‘Arctic Funk’ to just pip rivals Salen Hornorkester to end runner-up.

Third Division:

The Third Division title went Indre Torungen Brass Ensemble, who delivered a brace of outstanding performances to claim a clear victory over second placed Eidsberg Brassband with Brassica in third.

Eidsberg’s horn player Aleksander H. Strøm won the ‘Best Soloist’ award.

High quality

The experienced quartet of Mike Kilroy, Jacob Larsen, Bert van Thienen and Svein Henrik Giske shared out the adjudication duties over the weekend, with both Mike and Jacob telling 4BR that they were impressed by the overall standard of playing on show.

"It was very good indeed," Mike said. "Every band engaged so much of themselves in their performances—showing us just how much they enjoyed playing. The acoustics in the church were simply wonderful for brass band playing—and the bands certainly made the most of it."

Jacob agreed: "It was a very enjoyable weekend, with plenty of excellent playing. It was good to hear such a variety of music performed."

Results:

Elite Division:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy, Jacob Larsen, Bert van Thienen, Svein Henrik Giske
Church Concert/Set Test/Own Choice programme = Total

1. Oslofjord Brass (Garry Cutt): 94.0/89.0/92.0 = 275.0
2. Oster Brass (Torstein Aagaard Nilsen): 90.0/87.0/94.0 = 270.50*
3. Montebello Brass (N/K)**

Solo Prize: Marie Jännesjø (euphonium) - Oslofjord Brass

*incurred 0.5 time penalty
** Competed but did not perform set test

First Division:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy, Jacob Larsen, Bert van Thienen, Svein Henrik Giske
Church Concert/Set Test/Own Choice programme = Total

1. Hasle Brass (Robert Solberg Nilsen): 90.0/88.0/92.0 = 270.0
2. Rong Brass: (Eirik Gjerdevik): 88.0/90.0/88.0 = 266.0
3. Radøy Brass (Gareth Pritchard): 86.0/92.0/86.0 = 264.0
4. Sørum Musikklag (N/K): 87.0/91.0/85.0 = 263.0

Solo Prize: Thorbjorn Refn (soprano) - Hasle Brass

Second Division:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy, Jacob Larsen, Bert van Thienen, Svein Henrik Giske
Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Manger Folkehøgskules Brassband (N/K): 89.0/92.0 = 181.0
2. Fagernes Musikkorps (N/K): 90.0/87.0 = 177.0
3. Salen Hornorkester (N/K): 88.0/89.0 = 177.0
4. Krapfoss Hornorkester (N/K): 87.0/86.0 = 173.0
5. Grenland Brass (N/K): 84.0/88.0 = 172.0
6. Langhus Brass (N/K): 86.0/84.0 = 170.0
7. AXxoN Brassband (N/K): 83.0/83.0 = 166.0

Solo Prize: Rinat Arzumov (cornet) - Manger Folkehøgskules Brassband

Third Division:
Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy, Jacob Larsen, Bert van Thienen, Svein Henrik Giske
Set Work/Own Choice = Total

1. Indre Torungen Brass Ensemble (N/K): 90.0/92.0 = 182.0
2. Eidsberg Brassband (N/K): 88.0/87.0 = 175.0
3. Brassica (N/K): 85.0/89.0 = 174.0
4. Rudsbygd Brass (N/K): 87.0/86.0 = 173.0
5. Spydeberg Ungdomskorps (N/K): 86.0/84.0 = 170.0

Solo Prize: Aleksander H. Strøm (horn)—Eidsberg Brassband

Eikanger set for Euro preview

NEWS

Norwegian champion to review their Euro assault in Bergen aided by award boost for new commission.

Double Norwegian National champion Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag is the latest European contender to showcase their final preparations ahead of the championships in Oslo in less than a week’s time.

Open concert

The band will be presenting an open concert featuring both the 2013 set work, ‘Myth Forest’ by Stig Nordhagen and their own choice selection, plus a number of other items on Monday 29th April at the Grieghallen in Bergen.

Conducted by Professor David King, the band will give the Norwegian premiere of ‘Myth Forest’ (Hestefalltjønn) in a concert that will also feature the emerging talents of Eikanger-Bjørsvik Juniors and Bjørsvik Brass.

Both bands are part of the exciting brass community linked to Eikanger-Bjørsvik's rehearsal facilities in Knarvik north of Bergen. This venue also hosts Oster Brass, Knarvik School Band and at present, Kleppe Musikklag.

Project

Eikanger-Bjørsvik Juniors is a project band consisting of 40 youngsters from school bands in the region north of Bergen and will be performing with their senior counterparts for the third time since their formation, whilst Bjørsvik Brass consists of many former Eikanger-Bjørsvik players—some of whom were in the band when they won the European title back in 1988 & 1989.

Grant boost

The band has also been boosted by the news that they are to receive a grant of 125,000 Kroner from the Norwegian Composer´s Fund to assist them finance a major new work from the pen of composer Svein Henrik Giske.

The latest grant comes in addition to last year’ 60,000 Kroner award from the Norwegian Arts Council for a new piece by European set work composer Stig Nordhagen, which will be premiered in the autumn of 2014.

Goldberg

The concerto for two trombones from the man who wrote the pulsating ‘Goldberg 2012’ will feature the talents of Eikanger’s highly respected Greta Tonheim and her great friend and professional player Marius Hesby.

The band hopes to premiere the new work in June 2015.

Pre-European Concert programme:

Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag (Professor David King)
Myth Forest by Stig Nordhagen

Eikanger-Bjørsvik Juniors (Bengt Florvåg)

Blue Rondo ala Turk, Brubeck/arr. Edwards
Underlige aftenlufte, Nielsen/arr. Fredrick Schjelderup
Firestorm, Steven Bulla

Bjørsvik Brass (Bjørn Breistein)

Czardas, Strauss /arr. H.Snell
Impromptu for tuba, Darrol Barry
Soloist: Ståle Sleire Johansen
Variations on an Enigma, Philip Sparke

Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag (Professor David King)

Own choice piece for the EBBC

Buizingen sign Van Looy

NEWS

Euphonium star signs for Belgian champions in time for European debut.

Belgian National champion Brass Band Buizingen has announced the signing of Glenn Van Looy as their new principal euphonium.

Permanent

Glenn recently worked with the band as a soloist on Nigel Clarke’s euphonium concerto ‘City in the Sea’ for their forthcoming CD, and decided to stay with the band on a permanent basis.

He will make his concert debut with Buizingen this weekend in a pre-European event together with Dutch champion Brass Band Schoonhoven, whilst his contest premiere will come in Oslo at the European Brass Band Championships.

Norwegian stay

The performer’s burgeoning international commitments mean that he will stay in Norway after the event to record his second solo CD with Manger Musikklag under the baton of Alan Withington.

Glenn told 4BR: "I would like to thank Brass Band Heist for the great experience I have gained and I am now looking forward to an adventurous new brass band future."

Meter move

Brass Band Buizingen MD Luc Vertommen, is also looking forward to working with the star player: "I would like to thank our long serving player Hans Goris, who has been a superb player and such a versatile bandsman—so much that he has moved half a meter further to the right as the new principal trombonist."

He added: "I’m excited to build further on our talented group, adding one of the most sought-after young soloists. I still clearly remember the times when I heard Glenn playing as a youngster with his father’s fanfare band—his sound was bigger than his size even in those days."

Mnozil set for birthday return to UK

NEWS

The brilliant brass boys of Mnozil Brass are set to make a birthday return to these shores in the next few months.

The brilliant Mnozil Brass is coming to the UK once again at the end of May, as the anarchic Austrians bring their unique mix of comedy and musical genius to Oldham, Huddersfield and Llangollen for three very special shows celebrating the ensemble’s 20th anniversary.

Fans

The concerts are being organised by Diggle Band’s Brian Taylor and his friend Ruth Haas- Eckersley - the die-hard fans who first brought the group to the Uppermill Civic Hall back in 2008.

Special

And as Brian commented to 4BR, this year’s concerts promise to be very special indeed.

"Mnozil Brass have travelled the globe for many years now, but these birthday celebrations will have seen the guys visit Canada, USA, Malta, Italy, Slovenia and France, as well as in Basingstoke before they come to the UK once again at the end of May."

Amazing

He added: "For anyone that hasn’t seen them at first hand I can promise a musical and visual experience that you will never forget.

They really are the most amazing group of brass musicians and comedians I have ever seen, and the shows in Oldham and Huddersfield will see the guys performing their new show ‘Happy Birthday’ along with the wonderful ‘Blofeld’ show in Llangollen."

Book soon

Brian also reminded 4BR: "Tickets are selling fast so please be sure to book as soon as possible as Mnozil’s shows are usually complete sell outs."

Diggle Band will perform a short concert programme before each concert at Mnozil’s request and there is a free ticket on offer with block bookings of ten tickets or more.

Venues and dates

Full details can be found on Mnozil’s website www.mnozilbrass.at with dates and venues below.

Friday 31st May: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham (0161 770 4083)
Saturday 1st June: Huddersfield Town Hall (01484 221913)
Sunday 2nd June: Llangollen Pavilion Theatre (01978 860828)

Advert: Rayburn Tours

NEWS

The brilliant new Rayburn Tours brochure is now out so you can start planning those all important trips for 2014.

The Rayburn Tours 2014 band and orchestra tours brochure is out now!

If you haven’t received your copy then you can request one to be sent to you by going to: www.rayburntours.com

New finds

What can you expect to find in our new brochure?

9 stunning destinations throughout Europe

A range of indoor and outdoor venues, suitable for a host of repertoires styles

An excellent choice of cultural and leisure options to fill the time between performances

Share the experiences of other bands: who better to tell you all about a Concert Tour with Rayburn Tours, than those who have already enjoyed the experience!

And much more

If you wish to request a copy, then request a copy on our website today: www.rayburntours.com

Alternatively, visit the concert tours area of our website for detailed destination information, including suggested itineraries, visits and venues.

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS!

Early Booking Discount: Book before 29th July 2013 and receive £200 off your final invoice, or book before 23rd December 2013 and receive £100 off!

Already have a tour in mind? Beat the rush and enquire today!

Enquire today

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what some of our 2012 groups had to say:

Shepley Band, The Rhineland 2012.
“A great musical experience, a great social experience and a tour that ran like clockwork."

Watership Brass, Belgium 2012
“A memorable occasion for all concerned, particularly the Menin Gate ceremony, and a tour which will be difficult to beat!”

Wadhurst Brass Band, The Rhineland 2012
“We had a fabulous time, venues were great, audiences appreciative and the sun shone! We should have gone for longer.”

Queen's Award for Denis Wick

NEWS

The famous company is presented with a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Denis Wick Products has announced that it has been presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for 2013.

Export

Appropriately, the announcement was made on the 21st April—the Queen’s Birthday, and was made in recognition of the company’s achievements in the export market.

Over 80% of Denis Wick products are sold overseas and there is hardly a brass band, ensemble or orchestra anywhere in the world that does not use a one of their famous products.

Coveted

Stephen Wick told 4BR: "This accolade is one of Britain’s most coveted business awards, and offers recognition for some of the UK’s most successful companies - both large and small.

It is a reflection of the success that Denis Wick Products has achieved all over the world with its best-selling accessories for brass instruments."

Success

The Denis Wick factory in Poole, Dorset, produces full range of mutes and mouthpieces, with the company growing in recent years to reflect their success by moving into bigger premises and taking on new staff.

Stephen added: "As well as investing in the latest CNC equipment for mouthpiece production and in other high-tech machinery Denis Wick Products has also taken on trainees to learn the traditional craft-based skills, thus ensuring that these specialist skills are passed on to a new generation of highly trained workers.

The company also runs an apprenticeship scheme to help students to develop a wide range of metal working skills and to acquire nationally recognised qualifications."

Brass band sound

Although Denis Wick had a background as a symphony player (he was for many years Principal Trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra), his iconic mouthpieces are played all over the world, where they have helped shape the sound of the modern brass band.

Tribute

Stephen concluded: "Denis Wick started producing mutes and mouthpieces in 1968, and this award is a fitting tribute to the success that he has achieved with the company.

The company has now sold millions of mutes and mouthpieces and continues to refine its designs and bring out innovative new products.

Recent successes have included the best-selling Ultra mouthpiece range developed with Steven Mead, the new American Classic trumpet mouthpieces and the ground-breaking travel mute series."

4BR visit to Denis Wick

See 4BR visit the Denis Wick factory in Poole:

http://www.4barsrest.com/vision/play.asp?id=397#.UXd_17VOSHI

Advert: Dawsons

NEWS

There are some brilliant one off deals at Dawsons - so be quick or you will miss them.

Dawsons have a great deal on of ex-demonstration Besson and Yamaha instruments which are available on a first come/first served basis—so be quick!

One off deals

Besson Prestige Euphonium BE2052-2-0 in silver - £3,949.00 ex vat (£4,738.80 inc vat)

Besson Sovereign Tenor Horn BE950-2-0 in silver - £1,979.00 ex vat (£2,374.80 inc vat)

Yamaha YTR8335 Xeno Trumpet in Lacquer - £1,279.00 ex vat (£1,534.80 inc vat)

Yamaha YCR8335G Xeno Cornet in Lacquer - £1,399.00 ex vat (£1,678.80 inc vat))

Only one of each

There is only one of each up for grabs—so make sure you give Gary Bond a call on:

Direct: 01925 622199
Mobile: 07967 676402
Main Office: 08450 949022

Advert: Wessex Tubas

NEWS

Brand new half instrument covers now available from Wessex Tubas - just in time to stop Whit Friday scratches.

Wessex Tubas has announced that they are to make available leather style half covers for compensated euphoniums and BBb bass (992 & Imperial) as well as from June, covers for EEb bass.

Protect?

These protect the instrument from scratching by buttons or belt buckles, while allowing access to slides, water keys and valves.

They are the ideal addition to any player’s performance set up—and ideal for low brass players with a treasured new instrument to get with the Whit Friday marches coming up!

Military

The covers are very much the same design as used by the British military bands, and have not previously been available for the public to purchase and will fit Besson, York, Yamaha and of course, Wessex tubas.

Although not made with hole for trigger lever on Prestige euphoniums, that can easily amended, whilst there is enough slack to go around the trigger mechanism.

Prices

Prices are from £75 for euphonium half-cover - you can purchase from Wessex at http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/accessories/halfcover

Hardenberger at RNCM today

NEWS

If you want to hear one of the world's great trumpet players in action then get a ticket to see him in action at the RNCM tonight.

It has been announced that world famous trumpet star Hakan Hardenberger will be giving a public masterclass at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester today (Tuesday 23rd April)

Team up

The event starts at 7.30pm and will see the Swedish superstar team up with pianist and organist Jonathan Scott, as well as two former Black Dyke players, Alex Gibson and Craig Kilgour in addition to postgraduate students from USA and Australia.

High points

Professor John Miller told 4BR: "Hakan Hardenberger has held the post of International Chair of Brass at the RNCM for ten years, and has appeared twice as teacher and soloist at the RNCM Festival of Brass to great acclaim."

He added: "This is considered by the college one of the educational high points of the year, and tickets are still available for this event by contacting the RNCM direct."

Radio: Sunday Bandstand

NEWS

More music to listen to all around the banding world from Chris Helme.

Sunday Bandstand:

Produced and presented by Chris Helme for further information please see www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk and follow the Sunday Bandstand links for this play list and previous week’s. It is also available via Podcast from the Radio Phoenix website www.phoenixfm.co.uk between 2pm and 4pm

Yorkshire Dales

It is also available on Drystone Radio 106.9FM or through their website www.drystoneradio.com on Sunday mornings between 8am and 10am

Wigan

My radio programme has now been picked up by www.wiganfm.com a local internet only radio station and my weekly brass band show can be heard on Sunday’s between 11am and 1pm

New Zealand

Listeners in New Zealand will be pleased to hear that this programme is now also played on www.worldfm.co.nz in Wellington at 2p—4pm (NZ time) every Thursday.
Requests

I am always pleased to receive requests—you might want to hear a piece from your own early days in banding, recordings that have long since joined the record deletions list and difficult to find.

Or have a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

Sunday 21st April:

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Opening for weekly show
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

Backdraft - Main theme from the film
Alan Silvestri
Arr: Sandy Smith
The Cory Band
MD: Dr. Robert Childs - 2011

Cristo Redentor
Steven Ponsford
Hendon Salvation Army Band
BM: David Rudd - 2010

Country Road
James Taylor
Arr: Keith Mansfield
Trombone Soloist Doc Stoute with the Las Vegas Brass Band
MD: Philip Schlicker—2005

Flowers of the Forest - Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song
Richard Rodney Bennett
Fodens Richardson Band
MD: Bramwell Tovey—2010

Bravura Variations on a theme by Mozart
Adolphe Adam
Arr: Henry Howy
Euphonium Soloist Steven Mead with Spanish Brass - 2008

The Diplomat March
J.P. Sousa
Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal) Band
MD: Elgar Howarth - 2004

Desert Water Hole from the Death Valley Suite
Ferde Groefe
Sellers International Band
MD: Philip McCann - 2003

All Through The Night
Arr: Gordon Langford
Virtuosi Brass Band of Great Britain
MD: Eric Ball - 1970s

A Pretty Girl is like a Melody
Irving Berlin
Britannia Building Society Band
MD: Howard Snell - 1987

Canto Populare
Edward Elgar
Brighouse and Rastrick Band
MD: Derek Broadbent - 1982

Concerto D’More
Jacob de Haan
Soli Deo Gloria Band
MD: Jan De Haan - 1995

Saltarello from the Italian Symphony
Mendelssohn
Arr: Geoff Colmer
Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Band
MD: Mark Bentham - 2007

Roman and Tango
Huug Steketee
Cornet Soloist Huug Steketee with Brass Band Concordia
MD: Danny Osterman - 1997

Black Magic Woman
Peter Green
Arr: Eric Banks
Boobs and Brass with Friends
MD: John Hudson - 2011

Urlicht from Symphony in C Minor
Gustav Mahler
Arr: Philip Lawrence
Mezzo Soprano Soloist Margaret McDonald, Harpist Louise Thompson with the Fairey Band 2007
MD: Philip Lawrence

Nocturne
Rolf Lavland
Arr: Ron Sebregts
Soli Deo Gloria Band
MD: Jan De Haan - 1995

Roll Call March
William Broughton
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2010

Waltzing Matilda
Arr: Gordon Langford
Besses o’th Barn Band
MD: Roy Newsome - 1983

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Ending for weekly show
Foden's Band
MD: Michael Fowles—2010

Live streaming for Europeans

NEWS

The European Championships will be streamed live from Oslo.

4BR has been informed that the European Brass Band Championships will be streamed live this year from Oslo.

Live streaming

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, Stig Ryland, Head of Communications for the Norwegian Band Federation, said: "We are very happy to tell you that we will be producing live streaming of EBBC 2013.

In this way, brass band fans all over Europe can follow every piece of music of every band, including the Final of European Conductors Competition and of course the Gala Concert and award ceremony."

Details:

Further details can be found at: http://ebbc2013.no/Live+to+Europe.b7C_wZvQ3K.ips

Subscribe

As with the successful streaming of the Norwegian National Championships, in order to watch the live streaming from the EBBC, the viewers need to subscribe to TV 2 Sumo.

For more information: http://blogg.tv2.no/sumo/european-brass-band-championships/

Advert: John Packer Ltd

NEWS

There is a fantastic selection box of some of the world's greatest brass instruments to be found at John Packer

John Packer has an amazing selection box of instruments they are selling on behalf of clients—with some of the greatest names and some of the greatest instruments up for grabs.

Cornets:
B&H’ Roundstamp’ Sovereign Soprano Cornet (Silverplate)
B&H 928 ‘Roundstamp’ Sovereign Bb Cornet (Silverplate(
Yamaha 231s Long Cornet
Yamaha 2330 Bb Cornet
DEG Bb Cornet (Silverplate)
Yamaha Maestro Bb Cornet

Trumpets:
Olds Recordings trumpets
Getzen Eterna Bb /A Piccolo Trumpet (Lacquer)
Bach Strad LR180ML37 Bb Trumpet
Selmer Concept TT Trumpet Bb (Gold Lacquer)
Yamaha 1335 Bb Trumpet

Flugels:
Conn Flugel 25F (Silverplate)
La Fleur /Alliance Flugel (Lacquer)

Horns:
Besson 600 Tenor Horn (Silverplate)

Baritones:
Besson 700 Baritone

Trombones:
Olds Medium Bore Bb Trombone
Bach Medium Bore Bb Trombone
Yamaha 354 Medium Bore Bb Trombone
Holton TR156 Large Bore Bb Trombone

Tubas:
Besson Sovereign 994 BBb Tuba (Silverplate)

French Horns:
Conn 10DR Double French Horn
Besson 701 Compensating French Horn
Paxman Students Compensating French Horn

More information:

http://www.johnpacker.co.uk/

Marine appointment for Clarke

NEWS

Composer Nigel Clarke has become the first Composer in Residence for the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Composer Nigel Clarke has been appointed Composer in Residence of the Marinierskapel der Koninklijke Marine (Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy).

Partnership

The official press release stated: "We are delighted to announce a new musical partnership with the distinguished British composer Dr Nigel Clarke.

Dr Clarke has been appointed as ‘Composer-in-Residence’ and is invited to create a new concert work for this versatile symphonic wind band, which will be premiered at the annual Marine Corps concert in November 2013."

Memorable

They added: "The Marine Band first played Dr Clarke’s music in June 2011 under the baton of Major Harmen Cnossen. After a memorable performance of the rich and colourful composition ‘Gagarin’, the idea of an on-going artistic collaboration between band and composer was formed.

This residency will involve not only commissioning new compositions, but also pursuing educational and recording projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad, such as setting up a competition for composers to write for the Marinierskapel der Koninklijke Marine."

Delighted

It is the first time one of the world’s great wind orchestras has created the post, with Nigel telling 4BR that he was both delighted and honoured to accept their prestigious invitation.

"For me this is a very exciting opportunity, as they are one of the great wind orchestras of the world. It is a real honour."

Dyke set for Euro preview

NEWS

Reigning champion Black Dyke will be giving a European preview ahead of their Oslo defence.

Reigning champion Black Dyke will be giving a European pre-contest preview of their preparations before they set off to defend their title in Oslo on the first weekend of May.

Prompt

The open rehearsal will take place at Morley Town Hall at a prompt 8.00pm start on Tuesday 30th April, with supporters and brass band fans asked to turn up early to get a seat.

Dr Nicholas Childs will lead the Queensbury band through the set work, ‘Myth Forest by Stig Nordhagen, and also their own choice test piece.

Extensive

Black Dyke’s Mike Shenton told 4BR: "There will be no additional short concert on this occasion as the two pieces are extensive, and we do ask that people turn up early so that we can start on time."

Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm.

Waespi Concerto set for brass band world

NEWS

Critical acclaim could lead to Oliver Waespi's new Euphonium Concerto finding its way into the brass band repertoire.

Composer Oliver Waespi has told 4BR that the critical acclaim given to the recent premiere of his new 'Euphonium Concerto' performed by Thomas Rüedi in Switzerland, may well lead to the work finding its way into the brass band repertoire.

Beyond intentions

"The Concerto was successfully premiered with an inspirational performance by Thomas Rüedi with the Zuger Sinfonietta conducted by Philippe Bach," Oliver said. "He performed in a league of his own, projecting it beyond my intentions."

Work for brass

He added: "Although the sonic interaction between euphonium and strings was perfect - both possessing a wide range of expression and a finely balanced sound over several registers, I now imagine the Concerto could also work with a brass or wind accompaniment."

Broadcast

The premiere was broadcast on the Swiss classical radio station SRF 2 Kultur, as well as ‘art tv’, an internet channel which also produced a short feature about the Concerto.

Further details can be found at: http://www.art-tv.ch/9953-0-Unerhoert-Zuger-Sinfonietta.html