*
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    


Nord

Report & Results: 2026 Aalborg Music Festival

May 11 • Nordvestjysk Brass Band claims the 14th Aalborg title with section wins for Aalborg Post Orkester, Hjorring Brass Band and Kimbrer Garden


Paul Holland

Mayor's Medal honour for Holland

May 11 • Flowers Band MD Paul Holland has been presented with The Mayor's Medal as an expression of the thanks and gratitude of the Citizens of Gloucester following the band's recent European title success.


Tonga

New commission celebrates Tongan history

May 11 • A new test-piece work by Andrew Wainwright will receive its premiere at the Tonga Secondary School Brass Band Festival.


Tameside Whit Friday

Venues ready for Tameside Whit Friday visitors

May 11 • 11 venues will welcome performers and listeners alike later this month.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd