*
banner

Cory happy to perform to empty seats

It's not often there are empty seats at a Cory concert — but on this occasion in Lydney it was great to see...

Cory
  There were a few empty seats at the Cory concert — but all for a great cause.

The world's number 1 ranked band is used to playing to packed halls around the world, but there were plenty of empty seats on display at Cory's recent concert in the Forest of Dean.

However, far from it being a disappointment, the concert at Oak Farm in Lydney was a roaring success — as over 70 musicians took their cue from MD Philip Harper to move from their seats in the auditorium to join the band for charity inspired 'Acrobat Challenge'.

Opportunity

It came at the end of the annual Indoor Marching Games & Soundsport contest with competitors taking the opportunity to listen to the band in concert where they showcased items such as their Roald Dahl Brass in Concert set after they had taken part their own contests.

Not only did they all play J A Greenwood's famous ditty but they also performed a number of other unique massed band items too, such as Eric Ball's 'Star Lake', PLC's 'Big Top', and the Soundsport Anthem, 'Raise Your Voice'.

Cory tremendous

An event spokesperson told 4BR: "It was a wonderful way to be part of a concert with the world's best brass band.

No wonder we had so much interest — Philip Harper and the Cory players were tremendous. It could be an idea that can catch on!"

It was a wonderful way to be part of a concert with the world's best brass band. No wonder we had so much interest — Philip Harper and the Cory players were tremendous. It could be an idea that can catch on!Event spokesperson

Radio broadcast

The unique sounds of the concert can — including Cory performing on their own can be heard on both Tuesday 20th June (7.00pm) and Tuesday 27th June (7.00pm) on www.triangleradio.co.uk< http://www.triangleradio.co.uk

Fans of Corycan also tune in the following week, to hear their IMG Soundsport concert, including music from their 2016 Brass in Concert-winning set and new CD 'Storytelling'. The show is repeated on Sunday July 2nd at 9pm.

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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd