*
banner

Virtual All Stars showcased in the best of Times

A superb charity initiative created by composer Andrew Wainwright has been given a high profile nomination boost by 'The Times'.

All Stars
  The band ins made up of star players from across the globe

The Virtual All Star Brass Band, made up of some of the finest players from around the globe has already made an immediate impact — with the idea lauded by 'The Times' newspaper.

Article

The brainchild of composer Andrew Wainwright, the initiative was created to help raise funds in aid of the COVID-10 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organisation, and was mentioned in a column written by journalist Richard Morrison, himself a former trombone player.

In an article, 'Will no one stand in government stand up for British Choirs' under the sub-column headline 'Inspired by the top brass' he wrote that he felt that Andrew's project was worthy of being his "candidate"for a new category in the annual Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

The general public can make a nomination in the category of "the most inspirational musical achievements during lockdown"and have until 26th August to do so.

A brilliant idea

Richard said that Andrew's project which saw the stars provide a "scintillating romp"through Dinicu's 'Hora Staccato' was "a brilliant idea"at a time when "Britain's brass bands, like our choirs, have been silenced by the pandemic".

He hoped that it was only be "...a few months before the fabulous musicians of such legendary bands as Black Dyke can shake the rafters in the same room again."

To vote for the band you can go to: www.royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk

Richard said that Andrew's project which saw the stars provide a "scintillating romp" through Dinicu's 'Hora Staccato' was "a brilliant idea" at a time when "Britain's brass bands, like our choirs, have been silenced by the pandemic"4BR

Enjoy

To enjoy the band's performance once more go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANT1we9t7B0

Donate:

If you wish to donate to the project please go to: www.facebook.com/donate/227364908689876/3025913140777880/

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    


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd