*
banner

Figaro, Figaro!

France's Le Figaro newspaper to highlight the 'brass band phenomenon'.

Figaro
 

4BR has been working with journalist Guillaume Mollaret of ‘Le Figaro’ newspaper in France over the past few days, to help with background for a major article to be published next week.

Phenomenon

Guillaume is writing an article for the second largest daily newspaper publication in France about what they term the ‘brass band phenomenon’ and how it has spread across Europe in the last few decades – including a growing domestic presence.

Although there are differences in each country, it seems the British brass band tradition is a successful exportLe Figaro journalist, Guillaume Mollaret

British tradition

He told 4BR: "It is a very interesting phenomenon and one which I think will interest our many readers. The British tradition of the brass band is fascinating and is now being felt all across Europe."

The growth in banding in Europe has even seen the development of a burgeoning French National Championship, whilst Guillaume is about to travel to Serbia in the next few weeks to see how brass bands play an important part in their musical culture.

Thanks to 4BR

"Although there are differences in each country, it seems the British brass band tradition is a successful export," he added. "Thanks to 4barsrest I’ve been able to find out much more information to help with the article."

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    


RWCMD

Royal Welsh College defends claims that culture hasn't changed

October 18 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has refuted claims that its culture hasn't changed three years after it was found negligent in a case of alleged sexual assault.


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Chinnor Silver

October 18 • Being the top band at the recent Oxford Entertainment Contest does not stop us looking for improvement.we need an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to help keep this friendly 1st Section band moving forward.. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays . Trip to Belgium in 2027


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd