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Take 5: The Best Concert Performances of the Year

4BR picks the five concert performances of 2016 that lived longest in the memory banks.

Take Five
  We reveal our 5 Best Concert Performances of 2016

Plenty of bands and soloists gave concerts and recitals at various events and venues during 2016, but these where the five (in date order) that stood out for us — and not just for the brilliance of the playing.

Best 5:

Peter Moore
RNCM Brass and Festival
Manchester
Sunday 31st January

A simply awe inspiring display of musicality encapsulating works by Beethoven, Stojowski, Mahler, Deparc, Dobson and Pryor.

A remarkable musician: The first four notes of Mahler's 'Urlicht' from 'Das Knaben Wunderhorn' were as close to perfection as you could ever wish to hear.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con1084.asp


European Youth Band
European Youth Championship
Lille
Sunday 1st May

An absolute jam-packed dollop of fun inspired by Dutch conductor Erik Janssen and a multi-lingual set of players who were a credit to themselves, their bands and their nation's of origin.

A disappointing contest day (the organisers meanly charged the players to come in and listen) was forgotten as they delivered a stomping set that culminated in the entire audience (let in for free for the results) on their feet doing a European version of the conga around the hall to the sounds of Thrift Shop's rather fruity pop song.


Foden's Band
Regent Hall, London
Friday 7th October

Foden's inspired by Bramwell Tovey. A combination that has produced some of the most memorable concerts of recent years delivered another absolute bobby dazzler at Regent Hall — and all less than 24 hours before they took to the stage at the Albert Hall at the Nationals.

Perhaps they had a point to prove to both themselves and their critics — and by heck didn't they do just that and more.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con2012.asp


Super Slow Way: A Rhapsody to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
King Georges Hall, Blackburn
Sunday 16th October

A reminder of just how important, as well inspiring, investment in an ambitious community based musical project can be — especially with a brass band right at the heart of it.

At times simple and reflective, at others colourful and exotic. Like its inspiration, it was deliberately slow and meandering, with the focus always headed in the same direction. A triumph for everyone involved.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con2015.asp


Big Fat Brass
Royal College of Music Brass Ensemble
Featuring: Mike Lovatt and Matthias Hofs
Royal College of Music
Wednesday 19th October

Stunning: Simply, bloody well stunning. Two performers touched by genius, backed by a splendid ensemble.

This was about style — oh my word it was. Those lucky enough to be there went home with smiles on their faces like Cheshire Cats. The 4BR Editor's didn't wear off until he reached Newport train station back in Wales.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con2017.asp

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John Wallace

National treasure honoured by RPS

August 26 • John Wallace CBE has joined a very exclusive list of Honorary Members of the Royal Philharmonic Society.


New PR link to freshen National Championship strategy

August 24 • Kapitol Promotions enters into new partnership with PR Marketing agency Mobius Industries as they also add to their board of directors.


Brass in Concert

Major changes at Brass in Concert Championship

August 24 • Details are released of a strengthening in the governance and running of the Brass in Concert Championship with Brass Bands England.


mUSIC

Mixed news for music provision following exam results

August 24 • The numbers studying GCSE Music shows an encouraging rise, but those taking A Level exams falls.


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 29 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

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


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND would love players to join us at our next rehearsal on Monday 1st at 11am in our own bandroom.. It's just an extra chance for a friendly blow with cake,coffee and good company.. Does not affect allegiance to your main band


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

August 24 • Principal Cornet. Due to planned retirement. Own band room (no shifting gear between rehearsals), S75 3RF, less than 5 mins fromJ37 M1. Yamaha Zeno cornet for your use. Regular 20+ every rehearsal. Monday & Thursdays 1930-2130. MD GEOF BENSON. .


wantage silver band

August 22 • 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 (both times flexible depending on person).


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

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