*
banner

Call for brass players to celebrate Harrogate Eclipse

Brass players from around the world are being asked to take part in an epic performance to celebrate the return of musical light...

Eclipse
  The music is inspired by the remarkable celestial phenomenon

A musical rallying call has gone out to brass band players across the world from the organisers of the renowned Harrogate Festival International Festivals Summer Festival.

It hopes to "keep the magic of music alive"in an innovative fashion after the event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Initially the festival commissioned Yorkshire based composer and conductor Dr David Lancaster to write a new work entitled 'Eclipse', which was completed and ready to be performed just a few days before the widespread lockdown of cultural events.

Worldwide

However, the premiere was of course delayed, but not wanting it to be further delayed in its performance the International Festival is now looking for as many brass players as possible to take part in an international 'virtual brass band' and to submit their own playing of the piece for inclusion in a video of epic proportions.

Sharon Canavar, CEO of the festivals commented "Now, it's more important than ever to create new music, support new commissions, bring communities together and keep the magic of music alive. With so many brass bands unable to rehearse, we hope that giving them the opportunity to be part of a premiere performance is something lots of players will want to take part in".

Here at HIF we are welcoming all brass players, young and old, novice and professional, from all over the world, to be a part of our virtual performance and the online world premiere of 'Eclipse'."

Light returns

Speaking about the piece, Dr Lancaster said: "An Eclipse occurs when an astronomical body is temporarily obscured. I composed this music when many concerts, festivals, theatres and galleries have been suspended owing to the pandemic.

The music was intended initially for performance online but with the hope that in future it can be performed live at the Festival once the temporary suspension of our artistic lives is lifted and light returns."

We're also delighted that a special guest trumpet soloist will be performing the opening to the piece — however, you'll have to wait and see who that is!organisers

Special guest

Craig Ratcliffe, HIF trustee and co-ordinator of the project said "We're also delighted that a special guest trumpet soloist will be performing the opening to the piece — however, you'll have to wait and see who that is!"

Take part

All you have to do to be a part is follow the link below where all will be explained.

It's easy to follow and download — so what are you waiting for?
https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/news/eclipse/

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.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd