*
banner

Porthouse to lead Conservatoire showcase

Ian Porthouse and Tredegar soloists to take lead on iconic works by Goffin and Sparke in showcase of student excellence in Birmingham.

Ian Porthouse
 

The students of the Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band will be showcasing their talents in concert tonight (Friday 7th June) as part of Conservatoire’s critically acclaimed ‘Snapshots’ series.

Goffin & Sparke

Ian Porthouse will conduct the band in a programme that includes Dean Goffin’s ‘Rhapsody in Brass’ and Philip Sparke’s ‘Year of the Dragon’.

Ian told 4BR: "It’s a wonderful opportunity both for the students and the audience to enjoy two of the banding movement’s finest works.

Goffin’s work remains a very personal testament to his war time experiences, whilst the Sparke is rightly regarded as one of the most demanding as well as enjoyable works of modern banding repertoire."

Partnership

As part of the ongoing partnership between the Conservatoire and Tredegar Town Band, the guest soloists will be Tredegar Principal Cornet, Dewi Griffiths who will perform Peter Meechan’s ‘Manchester Concertino’ and Principal Percussionist Gavin Pritchard who will premiere his own arrangement of ‘Raise the Roof’ by Michael Daugherty.

Goffin’s work remains a very personal testament to his war time experiences, whilst the Sparke is rightly regarded as one of the most demanding as well as enjoyable works of modern banding repertoireIan Porthouse

Tickets

The concert takes place in the Adrian Boult Hall at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door and through the bookings office.

Prices are £4.00 and £2.00

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    


Symphony Hall

2028 European Championships to be held in Birmingham

April 24 • EBBA to run 50th anniversary event at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.


Linz

Report & Result: 10th European Solo Championship

April 24 • Young Swiss cornet star Simon Gabriel adds to his growing list of accolades as he becomes European Solo Champion in Linz.


Stevenage

Abusive and threatening behaviour sees ban

April 24 • The London & Southern Counties Regional Championships have acted to ban a band member after abusing and threatening behaviour towards a concert hall steward.


Fleetwood contest

Fleetwood live...

April 24 • If you can't get to Linz or Fleetwood this weekend you can still just sit back and enjoy the action from the comfort of your own home.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


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


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd