*
banner

A4 Quartet selected for acclaimed development programme

The A4 Quartet has become the first brass ensemble to be part of the City Music Foundation Artists Programme.

A4 Brass quartet
  The A4 Quartet will be part of a high profile programme of support

The City Music Foundation (CMF) has announced that the A4 Brass Quartet will become the first brass ensemble to become part of their acclaimed '2018 CMF Artists' programme.

They will join singer Helen Charlston, string players Toby Hughes, Ariana Kashefi and Emily Sun and pianist Tom Millar to be part of the foundation's aim to turn exceptional musical talent into professional success by equipping outstanding musicians with the tools, skills, experience, and networks they need to build and sustain rewarding and profitable careers.

Exciting projects

Chosen after an intensive audition process from over 150 applicants, the A4 Quartet is made up of brass band players Jamie Smith, Jonathan Bates, Chris Robertson and Michael Cavanagh.

They responded to the news by telling 4BR: "We're really looking forward to this new partnership with the City Music Foundation and we can't wait to begin working on developing exciting projects over the 2-3 year programme as we continue to expand our repertoire and perform to new audiences across the world."

It will see the quartet giving a recital at The Hospital Church of St Bartholomew the Less on Wednesday 19th December as part of CMFs 201/19 lunchtime recital series.

We're really looking forward to this new partnership with the City Music Foundation and we can't wait to begin working on developing exciting projects over the 2-3 year programme as we continue to expand our repertoireA4 Quartet

Two year programme

4BR was informed that the 'CMF Artists' will engage in an innovative two-year programme, which includes artistic and business mentoring, as well as professional development workshops covering topics such as financial planning, artistic development and promotion and publicity strategies.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We work with the CMF Artists to develop professional promotional tools, as well as providing help with commissioning and other projects to ensure that they develop a their niche and selling point.

We present CMF Artists in our own recital series and residencies and arrange performance opportunities at venues and festivals throughout the UK and beyond, as well as securing airtime on BBC Radio 3 and promotion through online, print, and social media."

CMF artists

Now in its sixth year, previous CMF Artists include jazz bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado (now a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist), Foyle-Stsura Duo, Tabea Debus, jazz clarinetist Giacomo Smith, soprano Raphaela Papadakis, and guitarist Andrey Lebedev.

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    


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


mINING

Brass band mining heritage celebrated

January 21 • Visitors to the National Coal Mining Museum for England can now enjoy finding out more about the long and proud connection between brass bands and the industry.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Mereside Brass

January 21 • MERESIDE BRASS are excited to be starting the New Year with a new MD! To complete our happiness, we would love to welcome a FLUGEL player and a PERCUSSIONIST to join our team. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials


West Yorkshire Brass

January 20 • We are a friendly and welcoming non-competing band based in the Bradford area of West Yorkshire. We play at various events in Yorkshire throughout the year. We have vacancies for Eb and BBb basses. Instruments provided if required


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd