*
banner

Stewart honour at inclusion in major work

Cory soprano star Steve Stewart has spoken of the both the humbling and exciting emotions being asked to perform in a major new work by his friend Ken Ferguson about the 911 tragedy has brought him.

Steve
  Steve Stewart has kept himself busy over the last few months

Cory soprano star Steve Stewart has told 4BR that he is both humbled and excited by being asked to be part of a major new composition that has been undertaken by his friend and former banding colleague Ken Ferguson.

The work reflects on the 911 tragedy in New York in September 2001 but is also in part a response to the death of the composer's sister.

It has taken over five months to score, with the eight tracks joining together to form an album work of around 49 minutes which it is hoped will accompany a movie to be produced about the event.

20th anniversary

Ken Ferguson is currently working on the recording production, and although a release date has not yet been confirmed, it is hoped that it will be released before the 20th anniversary date.

"It really is a humbling experience to be asked to be part it,"Steve told 4BR. "Ken and I have known each other for such a long time and he wrote the wonderful 'Brandane Rhapsody' for me for my CD, 'Over the Horizon'.

911 is still such an emotive human tragedy even some 20 years after it occurred, so you can see why I'm honoured to be asked to part of it alongside my partner Rachel who is wonderful professional mezzo-soprano singer."

Excitement

Steve added: "The excitement came when I saw what Ken wanted me to play — allowing me to explore boundaries playing on a four-valve piccolo trumpet as well as my soprano to give colour and texture to the lines.

The narrative of the work draws you into city with me playing a piccolo duet to create the sound of a great old train arriving at Grand Central Station as well as the haunting sounds of the work's 'Elegy'."

It really is a humbling experience to be asked to be part itSteve Stewart

Busy

The project is one of a number that has kept Steve busy in the past few months away from banding — with his regular online teaching commitments seeing him take to his garden studio each day to pass on his experience and keep his lip in trim.

"I've invested in some great technical equipment to help teaching and recording so I quite enjoy making the short walk to work each day!

Like everyone else though I can't wait to get back on stage and I hope that this musical connection with Ken will also lead to more exciting projects in the near future."

Find out more

To find out more about the project and help support it go to: https://www.calomusic.com/

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    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd