*
banner

Cobb set for Tomlinson Concerto at Birmingham Brass Fest

Philip Cobb will be performing the iconic Ernest Tomlinson 'Cornet Concerto' in the heart of Birmingham this weekend.

Phil Cobb
  Philip Cobb will perform the iconic Ernest Tomlinson Cornet Concerto

A showcase performance of the awesome Ernest Tomlinson 'Cornet Concerto' by Philip Cobb will be the centrepiece of this Sunday's (19th January — 7.00pm) Royal Birmingham Conservatoire 'Brass Fest' event.

World class artists

The LSO Principal Trumpet player will be one of a number of world class artists featured throughout Sunday and Monday (20th), with Philip joined by the likes of Sarah Willis of the Berlin Philharmonic as well as fellow LSO brass section principal, Peter Moore on trombone.

Also on show will be Onyx Brass, Connaught Brass, Tim Jackson, Alan Thomas, Graham Sibley, plus the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band who will accompany Philip in his performance of a work that was first performed by the legendary Maurice Murphy at the Royal Albert Hall in 1974.

And plenty Moore

The Sunday evening concert will see Philip joined by Peter Moore who will showcase another iconic work — Gordon Langford's 'Rhapsody for Trombone', whilst the band under the direction of Ian Porthouse will open with 'Intrada: Ein' Feste Burg' with two of the Conservatoire's most promising students sharing the performance of Peter Graham's 'Baritone Concerto'.

Ian told 4BR that Philip's visit for a rehearsal on the piece has already created a huge buzz amongst his students. "It's not often you see jaws fall to the floor, but this was one of them,"he said.

Great opportunity

"What a player. I know the Tomlinson piece very well from my days as player, but Philip handles it so easily and with such panache.

This is a great opportunity for brass band players to come hear one of the world's great brass musicians perform — and you get Peter Moore on brilliant form as well for the price of ticket! If you are anywhere near Birmingham, book a ticket and come along — it is sure to be a memorable night."

In addition to the concert, a 1 day pass ticket will also enable listeners to enjoy a 'Side by Side' masterclass directed by Ian Porthouse and featuring Peter Moore; a Q&A session with Sarah Willis, a lunchtime recital by Connaught Brass, a choice of afternoon masterclasses with Philip, Sarah, Peter, Alan Thomas and Graham Sibley and a massed blow event.

This is a great opportunity for brass band players to come hear one of the world's great brass musicians perform — and you get Peter Moore on brilliant form as well for the price of ticket! Ian Porthouse

Tickets

More information: www.bcu.ac.uk/brassfest20

Festival pass
Festival Pass £25 (two days)
1 Day Pass £15
Under 18s free with a paying adult

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR
Box Office 0121 331 5909 or www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

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    


Spring Festival

Spring Festival feedback welcomed by Mortimers

May 5 • If you have constructive feedback to offer on the recent Spring Festival weekend, then the organisers welcome your responses.


podcast

4BR Review podcast — European and Spring Festival focus

May 5 • Plenty of issues to discuss on the live podcast this Wednesday at 7.00pm — and you can have your say.


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Woodbridge Excelsior Band

Saturday 9 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Glossop Old Band

May 5 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history


East London Brass

May 5 • Solo Cornet: fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Chinnor Silver

May 5 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (11th) at 11am and welcome players of all abilities.. Come and enjoy a relaxed rehearsal mixed genres of music with some very friendly folks with tea and cake. It does not impact your own band and its free


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd