*
banner

Victorian gems in London

Some rare Victorian musical gems will be on display in London later this month.

Owen
 

There will be a rare opportunity to hear some of the finest arrangements of the legendary Alexander Owen and Charles Godfrey in London later this month as the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Brass Band performs Owen’s epic transcription of Wagner’s 'Die Walkure' and Godfrey’s selection from Humperdink’s 'Hansel and Gretel'.

Even rarer

The free concert, conducted by Chris Houlding will take place on 12th November at the Guildhall and will also see the band perform an even rarer work by the Australian pioneer Hugh McMahon, of Puccini’s opera 'Tosca'.

Greatest achievements

Owen’s transcriptions remain some of the greatest achievements of the Victorian banding era, whilst Godfrey’s talents saw him produce arrangements for use at the British Open Championships almost unbroken from 1872 until 1921, including the Humperdink arrangement of 1895.

Owen’s transcriptions remain some of the greatest achievements of the Victorian banding era4BR

Pioneer

Like Owen, McMahon is generally recognised as pioneer of the Brass Band movement in Australia. Born in 1870, in New South Wales, he became a first a celebrated cornet soloist, known as 'The Emperor of the Cornet' before in turn becoming an even more celebrated conductor, adjudicator and composer.

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    


wELSH aREA

Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Tredegar leads the way as Welsh Champion with section wins for Parc & Dare, Deiniolen Silver, City of Wrexham and Holywell in Swansea


Stevenage

Draws & Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • Jersey Premier, Betteshanger, Kidlington Concert Brass and Cobham claim titles on the Stevenage weekend with top-section left win


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Derek rENSHAW

Renshaw adds experience to MD role at Hade Edge

March 15 • Three time National winner Derek Renshaw brings his experience to the role of MD at Hade Edge Band.


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Sunday 16 March • Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 16 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 21 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

March 16 • Musical Director required. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire. . . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm until 10pm. . . Resident or professional sought depending on experience.


Enderby Band

March 16 • Bass trombone and Bb Bass required.. . Enderby Band are a championship section band based in the village of Enderby in Leicestershire.. . Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings 8pm to 10pm at the Enderby Village Institute.


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

March 15 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), Flugal and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd