*
banner

Mechanics make live music production work

A livestream concert from an empty hall, but packed full of great music, is to take place next month in Massachusetts featuring top pro stars Christopher Martin and Toby Oft.

Mechanics
  The free livestream concert will be broadcast around the world

With very few live musical performances taking place in concert hall around the globe at the present time, it's heartening to report that one person has taken the initiative and will produce a concert featuring world class brass talent.

Free livestream

The free livestream will take place at the wonderful Great Hall of the famous Mechanics Hall located in Worcester, Massachusetts on Sunday 7th June (9.00pm Central European Time), to raise funds for Covid-19 relief and is the brainchild of Patrick Smith.

All profits from donations go to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund www.macovid19relieffund.org and Partners in Health www.pih.org

Hope

He told 4BR: "Like everyone else on the planet, my 'best-laid plans' are overtaken by events. But the flexibility and enthusiasm of the soloists — Christopher Martin, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Toby Oft, principal trombone Boston Symphony Orchestra — has given me hope.

He added: "The selected music sends solace from Worcester to the world in these troubled times."

The Great Hall of Mechanics Hall is regarded as one of America's great acoustical masterpieces and is usually packed full with up to 1500 music lovers for concerts by world class musicians and ensemble.

The selected music sends solace from Worcester to the world in these troubled timesPatrick Smith

Fewer than 20 people

On this occasion there will be fewer than 20 people in attendance to make sure everything goes smoothly Patrick said. "My current plan requires the two soloists, an organist, pianist, two harpists, and a support and technical crew — oh — and myself!"

Music to be featured will include 'Beau Soir' (Beautiful Evening) by Claude Debussy (arr. by Stephen Bulla for euphonium and two harps). It will be accompanied by Massachusetts native Haden McKay, a cellist in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra now residing in Canada, who will remotely recite the poem (in French and English) by Paul Bourget that inspired this composition.

Livestream

The livestream from an empty Mechanics Hall is Sunday, June 7th, (3.00pm Eastern Time/9.00pm Central European Time)

Go to: http://cosmicbrass.eventbrite.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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd