*
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

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


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


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd