*
banner

Mike Lovatt to star at Brass in Concert

The renowned trumpet star is to give a free masterclass on the Saturday at the Brass in Concert Festival and be featured in the evening gala concert with newly crowned National Champion, Foden's.

Lovatt
  The man with the golden trumpet is coming to Brass in Concert...

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have announced that trumpet star Mike Lovatt is to present a masterclass on the Saturday of this year's event at Sage Gateshead.

BiC Chairman John Woods told 4BR:"We're delighted to announce that our annual Brass in Concert Masterclass will be hosted by Mike Lovatt, who is widely regarded as one of the world's most versatile and gifted trumpeters.

Mike has performed with leading artists ranging from Quincy Jones to Tom Jones, his list of West End show and film credits is extensive and he is also the top trumpet of the hugely-popular John Wilson Orchestra.

No wonder we are thrilled that he will now also feature with newly crowned National Champions Foden's in this year's World of Brass in Concert, entitled, 'Sinatra and the Swing Legends'."

Free masterclass

This Masterclass will be held in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall at 4.00pm on Saturday 17th November. Admission is free, although patrons are advised to be there early as numbers are limited.

Change to adjudication team

The Brass in Concert organisers have also announced a revision to the line-up of adjudicators for the 42nd Festival, which will be held at Sage Gateshead on Sunday 18th November.

Rieks van der Velde, who has established a reputation as one of the leading conductors in The Netherlands over many years, will now join Quality of Performance judge Nick Grace, replacing Roger Argente who has withdrawn.

The confirmed adjudication panel is:

Quality of Performance: Nick Grace and Rieks van der Velde
Programme Content: Chris King
Entertainment and Presentation: Jeremy Wise and Terry Carter
Soloists: Owen Farr

Warm welcome

John Woods continued: "Roger felt that he needed to step aside due to a potential conflict of interest, but we are pleased that he will form part of our Youth Brass in Concert Championships judging panel in 2019.

It will be a pleasure to welcome Rieks van der Velde, such an experienced conductor, composer, arranger and jury member at national and international competitions, who completes a very talented and experienced panel for this year's Brass in Concert Championships."

John added: "In addition to the Gala Concert and contest, we have a series of events including elementary workshops, taster sessions and a performance by Manger Musikklag from Norway.

Tickets are selling fast, so we urge anyone hoping to attend in November to avoid any disappointment by contacting the Ticket Office or logging on to Sage Gateshead website very soon."

This Masterclass will be held in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall at 4.00pm on Saturday 17th November. Admission is free, although patrons are advised to be there earlyBrass in Concert

Book tickets

Tickets for Youth Brass in Concert on Saturday 17th November priced £10.00 and £5 (concessions).

Tickets for World of Brass in Concert on the evening of Saturday 17th November featuring Foden's and Matt Ford are £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00

Tickets for the Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 18th November are £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00.

Booking fees will apply.

Please contact: Sage Gateshead Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 or online at www.sagegateshead.com

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    


British Open

British Open live-stream

August 24 • The 2026 British Open Championship will be live-streamed around the banding globe — so make sure you don't miss a note of the action.


Jeju

Result: 2026 Jeju International Brass & Percussion Competition

August 24 • French euphonium player Tewinn Spiess claims the bi-annual Jeju International Euphonium title.


New South Wales

Results: 2026 New South Wales State Championships

August 24 • Willoughby City Band regains the State title with section wins for Warringah Concert Brass, Newcastle PCYC Band, Waratah Brass Academy, Willoughby Youth Brass and Warringah Youth Brass.


NYBBGB

National Youth ambassadors find new audience in lost oasis

August 24 • The 40 strong Ambassador Band of the NYBBGB entertained the crowds in a lost oasis in the heart of London.


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


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd