*
banner

National Youth prepare for MacMillan world premiere with LSO

The youngsters of the National Youth Brass Band will be part of a world premiere of a new James McMillan (above) work at the Barbican in London this weekend, inspired by the war poet Charles Sorley.

Sorely
  The work by James Macmillan is set to the words of the poet Charles Sorley

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is preparing for one of the most significant concert appearances of its 66 year history, when they take to the stage at the Barbican in London on Sunday 4th November to be part of the orchestral world premiere of James MacMillan's work, 'All the Hills and Vales Along'.

Setting words by Charles Sorley, a poet killed in action in 1915, it addresses rows of soldiers on their way to the front: "On, marching men, on to the gates of death with song"4BR

On, marching men

Directed by Gianandrea Noseda, the band will share the stage with the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus for the work commissioned to commemorate 100 years since the Armistice of 1918, and which remembers the human cost of war.

Setting words by Charles Sorley (above), a poet killed in action in 1915, it addresses rows of soldiers on their way to the front: "On, marching men, on/ To the gates of death with song/ … Give your gladness to earth's keeping/ So be glad, when you are sleeping..."

Masterclasses

In addition to being part of the intense rehearsal process this weekend, the talented youngsters will also enjoy masterclasses and workshops led by the likes of LSO stars Philip Cobb, Peter Moore, Patrick Harrild and Neil Percy.

They will also have the opportunity to attend the LSO Discovery Day at LSO St. Luke's, when the composer, Sir James Macmillan will discuss the inspiration for his new music alongside LSO Managing Director, Kathryn McDowell.

Setting words by Charles Sorley, a poet killed in action in 1915, it addresses rows of soldiers on their way to the front: "On, marching men, on to the gates of death with song"4BR

Concert details

The concert takes place on Sunday 4th November starting at 7.00pm at The Barbican Concert Hall,
London.

To find out more and book tickets go to:
https://lso.co.uk/whats-on/icalrepeat.detail/2018/11/04/1269/-/james-macmillan-s-all-the-hills-and-vales-along.html

Image: Philip Gatward

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    


Alan Duguid

Interview with Alan Duguid

June 26 • 4BR talks to conductor Alan Duguid about the inspirations behind his band's latest contemporary concert featuring works by Malcolm Arnold, David Bedford, Judith Bingham, Freddie Myers, Richard Rodney Bennett, Edmund Rubbra and Raymond Yiu.


Alan Jenkins

Alan Jenkins funeral details announced

June 25 • The funeral details for the highly respected musician and journalist Alan Jenkins have been announced.


Gray and Waespi

Gray and Waespi to lead joint masterclass approach in Bern

June 25 • A four-day conducting and composing masterclass led by Russell Gray and Oliver Waespi will take place in Bern later this year.


Perth Concert Hall

Invites open for Scottish Festival of Brass

June 25 • Bands wishing to take part in the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge and the Scottish Open supported by Besson.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd