*
banner

Celebrations vibrate in Yorkshire and Mumbai

There have been celebrations to enjoy for Shri Sriram and Hammonds Saltaire Band after winning a prestigious British Composer Award

Shri Sriram
  There have been plenty of celebrations to enjoy for Shri Sriram and Hammonds Saltaire Band. Image: Duncan Lomax (Ravage Productions)

Shri Sriram and Hammonds Saltaire Band have been enjoying celebrating their success in winning a prestigious British Composers Award for their innovative musical partnership 'Just a Vibration'.

The presentation was made at a high profile awards ceremony in the heart of London this week, where the collaboration took the honours in the 'Wind Band/Brass Band' category.

Critical acclaim

Speaking exclusively to 4BR from Mumbai where he is performing in a huge music festival, Shri told 4BR that he was delighted that the project had gained the award as well as such widespread critical acclaim.

"I'm delighted of course,"he said as he just got off the plane at Mumbai airport.

"This has been a great project and it's such an honour to be recognised on such a prestigious level. I was only disappointed that I couldn't be in London to accept the award on behalf of the band and myself.

I'm even happier for Hammods Saltaire Band though: What a fantastic group of musicians who make such a phenomenal sound!

They have been simply amazing from the very first time I met them — so open to the idea, enthusiastic and understanding. They are some of the finest musicians I have ever worked with: So much credit goes to Morgan Griffiths and his players."

Thanks

Sri also thanked the Arts Council and Brass Bands England who supported the project as well as drummer Marc Layton-Bennett who he said, "…introduced me to the sound of Yorkshire brass."

"There were so many wonderful people involved in the project, so my thanks go to them all — from Supriya Nagarajan and arranger Ben Castle to my partner Shirin Sriram for her patience."

He added: "It's been an amazing achievement — from the very first note we played together to the presentation of the award. Now I'm looking forward to working with Hammonds Saltaire and other brass bands in the future — hopefully all around the world!"

Hammonds thrilled

Meanwhile, Hammonds Saltaire MD Morgan Griffiths added: "It has been a remarkable musical journey for everyone involved. We were thrilled to be asked to be involved and hit it off with Shri and his musicians from the very first time we met up with them.

What a musician he is — a real inspiration to us all. It has been a truly unique experience — made even better by being able to record it, perform it in concerts and in a contest at Brass in Concert and to receive plaudits and support from everyone who has heard it."

They (Hammonds Saltaire) have been simply amazing from the very first time I met them — so open to the idea, enthusiastic and understanding. They are some of the finest musicians I have ever worked withShri Sriram

World class musician

He added: "It has taken nearly three years to get to this stage, but it has been worth every minute and brought the band into contact with new audiences at such event as the Shambala Festival, the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and the London Jazz Festival.

It shows what brass bands are capable of achieving when they open their musical minds and link up with world class musicians such as Shri."

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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd