*
banner

A4 explore mists of new musicality

A series of new works from leading composers will be featured on the award winning A4 Quartet's latest CD release.

A4 logo
 

Over the past 12 months, the A4 Brass Quartet has embarked on a new music venture; teaming up with World of Sound Recordings to work alongside composers such as Thomas Doss, Oliver Waespi, Edward Gregson, Martin Ellerby and Nigel Clarke to provide new repertoire for their debut CD release.

Personnel

The group consists of Grimethorpe's co-principal cornet Jamie Smith and solo baritone, Michael Cavanagh, Black Dyke solo horn Jonathan Bates and Chris Robertson, principal euphonium of Wingates Band.

A4 was the first brass ensemble to win the RNCM's overall Ensemble Award, as well as the Christopher Rowland Ensemble of the Year and the Philip Jones Brass Chamber Music Award.

New works

The project has already seen Thomas Doss compose 'Moskito' for the group, whilst Oliver Waespi revisited his 'South Uist Variations', the set-work for the 2004 Swiss Quartet Championships, in a reworking especially for the recording.

Meanwhile, Martin Ellerby, has expertly adapted his 2012 British Open test-piece 'Electra' as 'Electra Dances', Edward Gregson has reworked his 'Second Quartet' originally written in 1969, to provide A4 with 'Brass Quartet No.2', whilst Nigel Clarke's tongue-in-cheek 'A Musical Murder Mystery', combines the infamous shower scene from 'Psycho' with Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Flight of the Bumble-bee'!

Nigel Clarke's tongue-in-cheek 'A Musical Murder Mystery', combines the infamous shower scene from 'Psycho' with Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Flight of the Bumble-bee'!4BR

Student work

As the recipients of the Ensemble of the Year Award, the group received and premiered a number of works from RNCM composition students. The winner, Tom Harrold's energetic 'Craze', is featured alongside, '...and has forgotten the gift' by Rob Bushnell.

Mists of the Mountains

A4 will be releasing 'Mists of the Mountains' at their appearance as part of the 2016 RNCM Festival of Brass Bands later this month, showcasing a number of the new works from the CD, and a world premiere of 'Insomniac' by Paul McGhee.

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    


RNCM

RNCM International Brass Band Festival concerts to enjoy on Wobplay

February 15 • The concerts from Foden's, Athena Brass and Tredegar can now be enjoyed in full on the Wobplay media planform.


Angela Westcott

Death of Angela Westacott

February 15 • The Welsh brass banding community will share in their support of the family and friends of Tylorstown player Angela Westacott at the Welsh Open contest in Newport.


Superbrass

Superbrass Saturday: Live and Let Die (McCartney arr. Nathan Deverill)

February 15 • Time to take you back to Roger Moore and Wings in their prime with this cracking bit of James Bond theme music


BBNI

Soloists and ensembles on show in Belfast

February 15 • If you are anywhere near Paton Halls in Belfast then pop in and enjoy the BBNI Solo and Ensembles competition.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

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


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 13 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables) needs a TENOR HORN for the regional contest in Stevenage on 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


Hathersage Band

February 13 • SECOND BARITONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to fill our only vacancy?


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd