*
banner

Extreme Makeover for Fulham

Composer Johan de Meij is the latest leading musical personality to join Fulham Brass Band for an inspirational chat — and you can join him to find out more about his iconic European test-piece.

Meij
  The composer and conductor has gained a worldwide following for his works — including Extreme Makeover

Fulham Brass Band's latest weekly learning session on Monday 24th August will see them joined by the celebrated Dutch composer Johan de Meij.

Since the start of the lockdown the band has enjoyed weekly link-ups with an impressive list of special guests, including Bramwell Tovey, Simone Rebello, Anna Meredith, Bruce Broughton, Philip Smith and many more.

European test-piece

Johan de Meij, who will talk about his iconic work 'Extreme Makeover', originally commissioned to be used as the set-work at the 2005 European Championships in Groningen.

The work entitled, 'Metamorphoses on a Theme of Tchaikovsky' draws its inspiration from the Russian composer's well-known 'Andante Cantabile' second movement of his String Quartet No.1 in D Opus.11, written in 1871.

It famously opens with a quartet of two cornets, horn and euphonium before dramatically developing from a single note through to an extended marimba solo which is preceded by players playing tuned bottles by using the 'hoketus' technique of blowing into the tops to produce single notes. It ends in triumphant style.

The band has also opened the invitation to all 4BR readers to join this session.

Spectacular

MD John Ward told 4BR: "All our guests in recent months have been fantastic, and incredibly generous with their time. We wanted to share something of what we've enjoyed with others and this session seemed the perfect opportunity to do this".

He added: "Extreme Makeover is spectacular, and Johan is really looking forward to talking about the inspiration and themes behind it."

Book a spot

The session will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 24th August.

If you wish to be added to the guest list to enjoy be a part of the session, send an e-mail to johnflugel@yahoo.co.uk

Places are not unlimited so it will be first come first served.

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    


Making Music

Making Music announces award winners

October 7 • The leading membership organisation for leisure-time music in the UK has announced its annual award winners.


wORK

Job opportunities at BBE

October 7 • There are heritage job opportunities on offer at Brass Bands England.


East Riding of Yorkshire Band

Grantham takes the baton at East Riding of Yorkshire

October 7 • The experienced Richard Grantham is the new MD at East Riding of Yorkshire Band.


Willebroek

Willebroek closing date looms

October 7 • You need to be quick to get an entry on for the Willebroek Solo Cntest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd