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2018 4BR Conductor of the Year

Which inspirational conductor made the greatest impression on our panel of judges this year?

aRSENE dUC
  Arsene Duc led Valaisia Brass Band to the European and Swiss National titles in 2018.

Winner: Arsene Duc

2. Philip Harper
3. Russell Gray


A host of conductors led their bands to memorable successes at various levels this year, but in the opinion of the panel one stood out from the rest — Arsene Duc of Valaisia.

The Swiss MD once again inspired his band — with a stunning victory at the European Championship in Utrecht and a fourth successive success at the Swiss National Championship in Monteux. They very nearly retained the British Open title too in Birmingham — just pipped by Cory.

A wonderfully modest musician imbued with an insatiable appetite to enquire and improve, his direction remains understated yet completely commanding.

He is the most worthy of winners — joining a distinguished list of other outstanding recipients of the award by gaining 6 first preference choices and 2 podium choices from the panel.

Man to beat

The man who has won the award for the past two years comes runner-up in this occasion as Philip Harper — although he remains the man to beat.

His outstanding leadership saw Cory claim the Band Cymru, Welsh Regional, British Open and Brass in Concert titles, whilst he also took time out to lead a series of artistic development workshops and pop in the adjudication box. He gained 2 first choice preferences and 6 podium votes.

Memorable

Third place went to a conductor who reminded us all of his major contest winning talent once more in the most memorable way — Russell Gray.

The way in which he led Foden's to the National title will stick in the memory banks for a long time, and certainly contributed to him gaining 1 first preference and 5 podium choices from the panel.

A wonderfully modest musician imbued with an insatiable appetite to enquire and improve, his direction remains understated yet completely commanding4BR

Past Winners:


2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Philip Harper
2015: Philip Harper
2014: Nicholas Childs
2013: Philip Harper
2012: Allan Withington
2011: David King
2010: Ian Porthouse
2009: Robert Childs
2008: Robert Childs
2007: Allan Withington
2006: Allan Withington
2005: Nicholas Childs
2004: Ray Farr
2003: David King
2002: Russell Gray
2001: David King

Panel:

The Awards Panel consisted of : Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (Chief Contributor); Steven Mead (euphonium soloist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine); Kenny Crookston (CEO, Brass Bands England); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/soprano cornet Bjorsvik Brass); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist).

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Syndey

Report & Results: 2025 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships

April 20 • Sydney City becomes the inaugural Premier Championships of Australia as senior National titles head to Footscray-Yarraville City, Cairns Brass No. 1, Wonthaggi Citizensand City of Ballarat Municipal Brass.


Wobplay

Wobplay offers global opportunities at Euros

April 19 • There will be plenty of advertising opportunities for businesses as part of the comprehensive weekend of live-broadcast action from the European Championships in Stavanger.


Russell Gray

Gray to host double conducting seminars

April 19 • Aspiring conductors can enjoy the opportunity to work alongside Russell Gray in Scotland and Norway next month as he hosts his Conducting Seminars in Bathgate and Askoy.


Siusa

Jena pride at Sousa inclusion

April 19 • Jose Sousa will become the fifth young player from the Jena Brass Band Centre in Germany to represent the nation as part of the European Youth Brass Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Linthwaite Band

April 21 • Linthwaite Band is a 4th section contesting Band , with a busy Summer of engagements coming up, and are looking to complete our friendly team, with a back row 2nd cornet player, and are keen to fill the position as soon as possible.


Chinnor Silver

April 21 • Required Percussion and Bass players (Eb or Bb). We are a friendly and ambitious band and have successfully qualified for the second section national finals and also earned promotion to the 1st section in 2026. Come along and help complete our happy team


wantage silver band

April 21 • A friendly and ambitious first section band, Wantage Concert Brass are looking for an experienced and dedicated MUSICAL DIRECTOR to help drive the band's continued growth and development, building on their best result to date at the recent area contest.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

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