*
banner

Whitburn part of 5 star review at Edinburgh Festival

The Scottish Open champion joins artistic forces for critically acclaimed concert performance as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Whitburn
  The Scottish Open champion at the Albert Hall last year

Whitburn Band's participation at the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival has attracted a five-star review in one of Scotland's major newspapers.

The Scottish Open champion was joined by the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS), string group Quatuor Mona, and tenor singer Gwilym Bowen to perform Sir James MacMillan's stunning 'All the Hills and Vales'.

Packed

With the composer in attendance, and in front of a packed audience at the city's famous Greyfriars Kirk, they were conducted by Christopher Bell, Artistic Director of NYCOS. As well as 'All the Hills and Vales', NYCOS performed Macmillan's 'The Culham Motets'.

Susan Nickalls, reviewing for 'The Scotsman' newspaper, was one of many critics impressed by the music making.

In her five-star review, she wrote: "Not only a showcase for international talent, the festival is a reminder of the vast amount of home-grown talent on our door-step and this year's focus across the range of James MacMillan's superlative output for large forces has yielded exceptional treasure."

BBC Scotland's Arts Correspondent Pauline McLean, took to Twitter to add: "Extraordinary concert. So glad to have been there!"4BR

Extraordinary

Meanwhile, BBC Scotland's Arts Correspondent Pauline McLean, took to Twitter to add: "Extraordinary concert. So glad to have been there!"

'All the Hills and Vales Along' is MacMillan's poignant oratorio based on five poems by Charles Hamilton Sorley, who was killed at the Battle of Loos in the First World War in 1915.

Whitburn has now performed at the Edinburgh International Festival for two consecutive years, having played with Lau in 2018.

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 Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd