*
banner

Lovatt to lead virtual powerhouse performances in Harrogate

Harrogate International Festivals announce major line-up of powerhouse talent — led by Mike Lovatt and global musicians on the world premiere of David Lancaster's 'Eclipse'

Eclips
  Mike Lovatt will lead a major line-up of international musical talent as part o the Harrogate Festival

The northern cultural powerhouse Harrogate International Festivals has unveiled its virtual HIF Weekender line-up featuring a raft of internationally acclaimed musicians — including the world premiere of David Lancaster's brass band commission 'Eclipse' featuring trumpeter Mike Lovatt.

Eclipse

Running from 23rd-26th July, musical highlights includes the world premiere 'Eclipse', inspired by the Coronavirus pandemic and Mike as part of collaborative performance with musicians all over the world.

David Lancaster was commissioned by the Festival following the cancellation of the Summer Season.

Inspired by the pandemic, 'Eclipse' was scored in just five days and represents the darkness and danger facing the arts at this time, with an invitation to remain hopeful until the light returns.

Feature performances

In addition the festival will also feature performances from cellist Steven Isserlis, the Navarra String Quartet, multi-award-winning violinist Tasmin Little and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani.

There are also a raft of emerging young jazz musicians such as Sean Payne and Noah Stoneman to a rave DJ set from Graeme Park and a stellar series of interviews across the cultural mix including composer Ben Palmer and presenter John Suchet on his biography of Beethoven.

Inspired by the pandemic, 'Eclipse' was scored in just five days and represents the darkness and danger facing the arts at this time, with an invitation to remain hopeful until the light returns4BR

Rich selection

Sharon Canavar, CE of Harrogate International Festivals, said: "Out of crisis comes creativity, and Harrogate International Festivals is delighted to present a world-class line-up for our first virtual HIF Weekender.

Whilst there is no denying that this is a hugely challenging time for the arts and for artists, festivals play a vital part in the creative industries ecology and defining our cultural landscape, and so we are extremely proud to be presenting this rich selection to our audiences world-wide for free, ensuring the arts remain accessible to all at a time when we need it the most."

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    


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Linz

European Soloist Competition open for entries

September 10 • If you want to be crowned the 10th European Solo Champion then you need to submit a video entry to be considered for the trip to Linz in 2026.


Youth Champs

Registration now open for Youth Championships

September 10 • If you are a band or ensemble wishing to take part in a fantastic day of music making in Birmingham next year, then sign up now.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd