*
banner

World class foursomes at the RNCM

14 of the world's finest brass quartets are performing at the RNCM in Manchester in the hope of winning the prestigious prizes at the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition.

RNCM
  The RNCM is hosting 14 world class quartets this week

The inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition is currently taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Established by Ursula Jones and John Miller, its aim is to bring together many of the world's finest young brass quintets to showcase their musical excellence and enterprise in brass chamber music performance.

Legacy

The competition also builds on the incredible legacy left by Philip Jones CBE (1928-2000), with an international jury of renowned musicians, Reinhold Friedrich (trumpet), Barbara Butler (trumpet), Frøydis Ree Wekre (horn), Ian Bousfield (trombone) and Oren Marshall (tuba) tasked with making the all important decision to who will claim the prestigious, as well as lucrative, high profile awards.

Many quintets from around the world applied and 14 of the finest young brass quintets from the UK, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy and the USA will perform this week.

The semi finals, masterclasses and finals are open to the general public, with the winners taking away the main Philip Jones Prize and a cash prize of £10,0004BR

Free

The semi finals, masterclasses and finals are open to the general public, with the winners taking away the main Philip Jones Prize and a cash prize of £10,000.

The runner-up will be presented with the Marah Mahlowe Prize and £7,500, with the third placed quintet receiving the Founder's Prize and £5,000. Several prominent music festivals and venues have also expressed interest in the outcome of the competition.

Semi Finals:


18th July (2.00pm)
Concert Hall
RNCM
Free

Masterclasses in Chamber Music


19th July (2.00pm)
Carole Nash Recital Hall, RNCM, Free

Final


20th July (2.30pm)
Concert Hall,
RNCM
Tickets £15 (£10 concessions), £5 students/under 18s

www.rncm.ac.uk or Box Office 0161 907 5555

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd