*
banner

Roberts set for new stained glass triptych

A major new work by composer Stephen Roberts will be given a world premiere in Birmingham next weekend — inspired by a trio of the greatest stained glass windows of worship.

York Minster
  The work is inspired by a trio of magnificent windows in great places of worship

Stephen Roberts will conduct the premiere of his new work, 'Triptych' for brass and organ, at the Elgar Bramall Concert Hall at the University of Birmingham on Saturday 10th March (7.30pm).

The substantial 20-minute work is in three movements and is a musical expression of the stained glass windows of three famous places of worship: Notre Dame in Paris, Chappelle du Rosaire in Venice and York Minster with its Great East Window (above)

Brass and organ

The twelve-piece Birmingham Symphonic Brass will be joined by organist Nick Wearne, who will be performing on the recently installed Marc Garnier organ.

The programme also includes works by Giovanni Gabrieli, Vivaldi and Edward MacDowell, as well as choral works by John Rutter, Elgar and Vaughan Williams.

USA visit

Stephen has recently returned from a successful trip to the USA, which featured a series of premieres for narrator and chamber ensemble at the newly formed Guliford Festival in Connecticut, New England.

The pieces, with words by the composer, are designed for youngsters of all ages and revisit Aesop's famous fables and other tales from different countries.

The film and stage actor Steve Routman narrated the composer's scripts and the two were delighted to find out that they are now sporting matching beards!

The 20-minute work is in three movements and is a musical expression of the stained glass windows of three famous places of worship: Notre Dame in Paris, Chappelle du Rosaire in Venice and York Minster with its Great East Window4BR

Yale University

During the trip Stephen also visited Yale University to run through a selection of his works with the Yale Wind Band, including his newly adapted version for concert band of 'The Snaring of the Sun', which is the B section test piece for the Australian National Championships to be held later this month in Melbourne.

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    


EBBA Linz

Austrian celebration to be showcased at EBBC Gala Concert

January 13 • An unforgettable celebration of Austrian music is promised at the Gala Concert of the European Brass Band Championships in Linz later this year.


David Morton

Morton set to link with Sandefjord

January 13 • David Morton is set to become Musical Director of Sandefjord Brass Symposium in Autumn 2026.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

January 13 • More great music to enjoy from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd