Besses O’ Th’ Barn is celebrating what they hope will be the start of a contesting renaissance for one of the world’s most famous banding names.

Labour & Love

Their victory in the Third Section at the recent Buxton Contest under the direction of Simon Cowen was their first at any senior contest since 2010, and was achieved on a performance of Percy Fletcher’s iconic ‘Labour & Love’ — a work that sums up their recent drive to regain former glories.

Not only did the band take the £450 first prize and the Tarmac Trophy, but they also captured the Barry Hinde Memorial Trophy for the ‘Best Euphonium Section’ — led 19 year old James Butchart.

Talent

Talented youth is certainly playing a major part in the band’s renewed success with the principal cornet, 18 year old Dovid Friedlander also gaining rave reviews for his performance in helping the band to victory.

MD Simon Cowen told 4BR: “I want to say the biggest thank you to all Besses’ players for their persistence, patience and most of all, their hard work over these past four months. I’m so privileged to be here amongst these most wonderful of musicians. They have deserved their win and their hard work has paid off.”

Our reputation as the world’s most famous brass band is being re-established by such prize winning performancesBand spokesperson

Reputation

Band spokesman Dr Yaakov Wise added: “Besses has a deliberate policy of encouraging young musical talent through the financial support we receive from Beaverbrooks Jewellers.

Our reputation as the world’s most famous brass band is being re-established by such prize winning performances.”