*
banner

Read celebration to aid charitable causes

A free concert celebrating the musical career of David Read MBE will combine great music, great chat and great causes — and its going to be broadcast too.

David Read
  The free concert will be full of great chat, great music and all for a great cause.

One of the brass band world's most respected figures will be making a welcome return to the concert stage for an afternoon of music and conversation in aid of local charities.

'An Audience with David Read MBE' will celebrate an outstanding musical career which has encompassed playing, conducting, teaching and adjudicating — and will see him talk through repertoire close to his heart, performed by East London Brass.

Between pieces, David will be interviewed by 4barsrest editor Iwan Fox about his banding life and his musical inspiration.

Free tickets

Tickets for the recorded concert on 20th July (3.00pm) at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Godmanchester in Cambridgeshire are free.

David has asked however, that audience members consider making a charitable donation at the end of the concert to Hinchingbrooke Hospital or to the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust through their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/davidreadconcert

With the added attraction to the music of plenty of wonderful tea and cakes during the interval, it will be advisable to book in advance at: https://elb.yapsody.com

Classics

The concert will be packed full of classic brass band repertoire by the likes of Eric Ball, Gilbert Vinter, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Franz Lehar, Leroy Anderson and Arthur Butterworth.

David has chosen each piece because of its personal or professional significance, and will talk about why they mean so much to him throughout the concert.

Still actively involved in the banding scene and one of the most sought after figures at any contest he attends to listen, he told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to this opportunity to share music and memories with banding friends and family.

I hope that people will enjoy and relate to my stories, but most of all I want people to appreciate the music all the more because of them. I'd like to thank East London Brass for helping to put this excellent programme together."

I hope that people will enjoy and relate to my stories, but most of all I want people to appreciate the music all the more because of themDavid Read, MBE

Great concert

In response East London Brass MD, Jayne Murrill, told 4BR: "We were delighted when David said he wanted to work with us for this concert. He's been a great friend to the band, as I know he is to many others, and always has great advice to impart. There'll be lots to enjoy and to learn from this great concert."

Meanwhile, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox added: "This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the musical company of one of the great figures in banding movement over the last half century or more. I'm sure its going to be a memorable afternoon."

Concert details

An Audience with David Read MBE
Saturday 20th July
3.00pm (Doors open at 2.30pm)
Church of St Mary the Virgin,
Godmanchester
PE29 2AW

https://goo.gl/maps/M6wJwwhZTceEzVd38

Free but ticketed at https://elb.yapsody.com
Queries to eastlondonbrass@hotmail.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    


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Queensbury

Last chord for Lewis at Queensbury Music Centre

June 21 • The double Yorkshire Area title winner thanks MD Chris Lewis after he decides to step down from conducting role.


Frank Mathison

Death of Frank Mathison

June 21 • The death has been announced of the former bass trombone player of the London Symphony Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Foden's

Foden's and friends...

June 21 • The North West Area champion was joined by six friendly bands for a great evening of community music making.


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


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd