*
banner

Gregson marks Brexit with final chord

The composer who heralded the UKs entry into Europe with music has also marked its departure in the same way...

Brexit
  The UK leaves the EU at 11.00pm on Friday 31st January.

Edward Gregson has written a poignant composition to mark the UK leaving the European Union at 11.00pm this evening (Friday 31st January).

Marked with the use of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' — which is the EU Anthem, but also right at the end, two tunes from 'Last Night at the Proms' — 'Land of Hope and Glory' and 'Jerusalem', he told BBC News that the brief was to write something that was "a middle of the road view"of the ending of the UKs membership.

Not too joyful, not too sad

Speaking to the BBC he said that the work was "not too joyful, not too sad", and that "I hope it makes the point that we will remain friends and still have very important relationships with our colleagues across the water."

Edward actually wrote a celebratory work in 1973, entitled, 'Fanfare for Europe' when Britain joined the then European Economic Community.

Unlike this evening, the entry on January 1st 1973 was reported by The Guardian newspaper with Britain passing "...peacefully into Europe at midnight last night without any special celebrations. It was difficult to tell that anything of importance had occurred..."

Edward actually wrote a celebratory work in 1973, entitled, 'Fanfare for Europe' when Britain joined the then European Economic Community4BR

New work

Edward Gregson's latest major work for the brass band medium, 'The World Rejoicing' (Variations on a Lutheran Chorale) is a joint commission between the British Open and the National Championship organisers of The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Norway, and will receive its world premiere at Symphony Hall in September.

https://twitter.com/BBCNWT/status/1223033419145392128

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    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

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


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Stephen Tighe

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd