*
banner

Carmina success

There was a good omen for Blackburn & Darwen as 'Carmina Burana' proves to be a success.

Blackburn
 

Blackburn & Darwen Band are enjoying the plaudits after playing their part in the success of the recent production of only the third ever performance of Carmina Burana for choir and brass band.

Credit

Sue Speakman from the band told 4BR: "Credit must go to Dr. Roy Newsome for creating a superb arrangement of Karl Orff’s masterpiece. The band responded brilliantly to the test and they received many appreciative comments after the concert had finished."

Engrossed

A large audience were engrossed in the hour long spectacle that featured three professional soloists, Bolton Youth Choir, Bolton Choral Union, Blackburn Music Society and Blackburn and Darwen Band.

The Victoria Hall in Bolton was a perfect venue for the work as around 150 musicians, skilfully conducted by James Davy, commenced and finished with 'O Fortuna'.

The band responded brilliantly to the test and they received many appreciative comments after the concert had finishedSue Speakman

Superb

In between the audience were treated to superb soloists and a committed massed choir that rose to the challenge of the music.

Sue added: "Our thanks must go to Bolton Choral Union for overseeing this massive venture, to Roy Newsome for his help and guidance, to James Davy for his conducting, to our MD Nick Shepperd for preparing us so well and to all the band members who showed an incredible commitment."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd