*
banner

Cory enjoys Palladium spotlight

Cory certainly showcased their brand of entertainment to millions with their recent performance on the ITV television show 'Tonight at the London Palladium' — with the hope of a return with the Euro Trophy in their grasp...

Cory
  Cory certainly enjoyed their time on stage with host Bradley Walsh

Although Cory Band was unable to successfully defend its European title in Oostende, their television appearance on ITV's 'Tonight at the London Palladium' programme hosted by entertainment star Bradley Walsh just days before they headed to Belgium, may have given them the perfect inspiration to reclaim the trophy in Utrecht next year.

Millions

3.25 million viewers enjoyed their short set under MD Philip Harper, with the Welsh, British Open, National and Brass in Concert champion sharing the spotlight on the night with the cast of the West End musical 42nd Street and US vocal sensation Lea Michele.

There was also comedy from Mark Watson, the Japanese Yamato Drummers and a performance from pop legend Rick Astley — a singer who has made a remarkable comeback almost 30 years after his hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' reached number 1 in the UK, the USA and 23 other countries.

Blur

"That day is still a little bit of blur,"Philip Harper admitted to 4BR at the recent RWCMD Cory Composition Prize evening in Cardiff.

"To say it was 'showbiz' is under-estimating things. It was non-stop from the moment we got to the London Palladium to the time we finally managed to pack up and head for home. It was a terrific experience — and a real eye-opener to how these programmes are produced.

Having your make-up done in a chair next to Rick Astley was a bit surreal. He was a great bloke though and said he was blown away by the band in our rehearsal."

Sensational

With the Palladium packed with over 2200 people Cory performed part of their Brass in Concert winner 'The World's Greatest Storyteller' set inspired by Roald Dahl, which Bradley Walsh called 'sensational'.

However the most never racking moment for Phil was the impromptu joshing with the host — especially when he picked up the famous European Trophy only to pull out the top for a comic effect 'Brexit' joke.

Grasp

Phil added: "You can just see me making sure the base didn't fall off when he grabbed it! Good job I did. Having such a high profile television appearance just days before the European was a bit different in terms of preparation, but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Now we want to do it again next year — with the European trophy hopefully back in my grasp!"

Having such a high profile television appearance just days before the European was a bit different in terms of preparation, but we wouldn't have missed it for the worldMD, Philip Harper

Enjoy the band

You can still see the band's performance at around the 29 minute mark at:

https://www.itv.com/hub/tonight-at-the-london-palladium/2a4379a0011

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    


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Tredeagr Band

New addition to Tredegar tuba team

October 28 • Edward Falloon, the principal tuba of the National Youth Orchestra joins the bass section at the Welsh Champion.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 28 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd