*
banner

New Mealor work set for NYBBS premiere

A major new work by composer Paul Mealor will be premiered by the National Youth Band of Scotland this Friday.

Paul Mealor
  Paul Mealor's latest work will be performed by the National Youth Band of Scotland.

A new work by one of the UK's most influential composers is set to feature at the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland's (NYBBS) 2016 summer concert.

'The Heart of Hidden Flame' by Paul Mealor will form part of the programme performed by the senior NYBBS, under the baton of Musical Director, Russell Gray.

Dedication

Commissioned jointly by NYBBS and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, the work is dedicated to the composer's great uncle, James Baird Williams, a former president of the Welsh Brass Band Association, and the man who introduced Mealor to the world of brass bands.

Looking ahead to the concert, Russell Gray told 4BR: "The senior NYBBS has really enjoyed getting stuck into this wonderful piece, rehearsing it during our recent trip to Norway. With its celtic inspiration, the piece is full of spirit and vitality, and offers so much for players and listeners to enjoy."

Inspiration

'Heart of the Hidden Flame' takes inspiration from Scottish writer William Sharp's work, 'The Silence of Amor', and reflecting on its creation, Paul Mealor wrote: "The structure, at a macro and micro-level is governed by opposites.

Differing types of musical material are placed on top, inside and alongside each other, causing coalescence and change. Also, the image of the swirling flames being devoured or absorbed by dusk and darkness or rather, at times, a darkness hiding its flame — runs throughout the entire composition."

Celtic flavour

He adds: "The Celtic world that inspired Sharp so much also infuses this work — Celtic dances, manic ceilidh's and long, melancholic folksongs colour and flavour the work."

The Heart of Hidden Flame' is due to feature at NYBBS' summer concert on Friday, July 29th4BR

Time and place

'The Heart of Hidden Flame' is due to feature at NYBBS' summer concert on Friday, July 29th, which includes the organisation's Senior, Reserve and Children's Bands conducted by Russell Gray, John Boax, Gordon Evans MBE and Richard Evans.

Proceedings get underway at 6.30pm in St John's Kirk, Perth.

Tickets cost £10 for adults. School children go free but booking is recommended. Those reserving children's tickets should include details of the school the child attends in the email.

Anyone looking to book tickets should contact Ann Murray, SBBA vice president, by e-mailing: annmurray37@hotmail.co.uk

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


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


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd