*
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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd