*
banner

Dyke premiere creates remarkable response

The premiere by Black Dyke of 'The Final Journey' created a remarkable response 100 years to the day HMS Hampshire was sunk with the loss of over 650 lives.

Kitchner
 

The world premiere performance of Paul Lovatt Cooper's 'The Final Journey' in Leeds on the weekend has created a remarkable, as well as deeply moving response.

100 years to the day

Performed by Black Dyke under Prof Nicholas Childs as part of the Black Dyke Festival, and made possible through a commission by Bolsover District Council, the work commemorated 100 years to the very day, the sinking of HMS Hampshire and the loss of over 650 lives — including that of Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener (above) and a number of seaman and engine stokers from the Bolsover area of Derbyshire.

Although the work was performed in the presence of Kevin Stewart, one of the remaining relatives of the mere 12 survivors from the disaster, it became known on the day that others, both in the Black Dyke band and the audience had a link to the events that took place on 5th June 1916.

We have since had others who have got in touch to tell us of their family connection. It's such an emotive story and has such a powerful resonance even a century after it occurredFestival spokesperson

Amazed

"It was incredible,"a festival spokesperson told 4BR. "On the day we found out that one of the members of Black Dyke had a great, great uncle who lost his life.

However, during the interval we were approached by a gentleman who told us that he had come to enjoy the concert as a fan of Black Dyke, only to then be totally amazed that a piece commemorating the sinking was being played. He said that his uncle had lost his life as stoker on board HMS Hampshire.

We have since had others who have got in touch to tell us of their family connection. It's such an emotive story and has such a powerful resonance even a century after it occurred."

Congratulations

Simon Benger from the Arts Council of England was in the audience at Leeds Town Hall to also hear the British premiere of the Edward Gregson 'Cornet Concerto', commissioned by his organisation, and later told 4BR: "It was a wonderful concert with such a powerful work at its centre and wonderful music such as the 'Cornet Concerto' to accompany it.

My congratulations go to all those who took part in bringing it to fruition."

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd