*
banner

Sykes set for Nexus

Trombone star set to provide premiere of new Trombone Concerto.

Steve Sykes
 

Tredegar's principal trombone player Stephen Sykes will give the premiere of a new concerto by composer Christopher Bond, entitled 'Nexus’, in Cardiff in February.

Together

The performance has arisen following a growing musical collaboration between the students at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama where they have been working together to produce a major new work for the instrument.

A special lunchtime concert will be held at the college’s impressive Dora Stoutzker Hall on the 14th February, with Stephen performing the work with an orchestra put together especially for the event.

Also featured will be works by other composition students at the college, Lewis Furber, James Golborn and Ben Lunn.

Time

The composer told 4BR: "I've spent a lot of time on this work letting ideas come together over a period of almost a year now. It’s really something quite different for me to write music on this scale, thinking about how to link major themes to create something exciting."

Stephen is also looking forward to the premiere. "It’s been a great experience working alongside Christopher – especially as he really is extending me as a performer. It’s a brilliant new work that I hope will be played time and time again."

It’s been a great experience working alongside Christopher – especially as he really is extending me as a performer. It’s a brilliant new work that I hope will be played time and time againStephen Sykes

No stranger

No stranger to brass writing, it follows a successful year for Christopher with performances of works at the RNCM Festival of Brass, Black Dyke Brass Festival, the International Tuba Euphonium Conference in Austria, as well as his Jubilee Fanfare being performed as HM Queen Elizabeth & Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Wales as part of their Diamond Jubilee Tour.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd