*
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    


Kerkrade

Results: 2026 World Music Contest

July 12 • Brass Band Treize Etoiles becomes Champion of the World in Kerkrade


bbss

Free workshops for youngsters at Brass Band Summer School

July 9 • There will be a free Youth Brass Workshop at Wycliffe College as part of the 40th anniversary BBSS on 6th August. So need to be quick to book a place...


Kerkrade

Live stream action from World Music Contest

July 9 • You can enjoy all the brass band contests at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade this weekend.


Mead and Agnew

Mead adds test match credentials to tutoring

July 9 • Steven Mead met up with cricket broadcaster and test match cricketer Jonathan Agnew to give him a euphonium lesson.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Emley Brass Band

July 7 • Emley Brass Band are looking for a Soprano Cornet to join their team. We are a growing 1st section band who came 6th in our first areas in the 1st section. We do a mix of concerts and contests throughout the year. Rehearsing Mon and Weds 8-10pm.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd