*
banner

In a German monastery garden...

The sound of music was heard in a local monastery garden recently with a great day long course that featured wonderful music — although not too quietly played...

Monatery
  The day long course took place at the beautiful Landesmusikakademie Kloster Michaelstein

There was a long-awaited return to brass banding in central Germany recently, when a one-day course was hosted at the Landesmusikakademie Kloster Michaelstein — a historic local monastery.

Sounds of Brass

Under the direction of Alexander Richter, the well-known conductor of Brass Band BlechKLANG and Creative Director of the Competence Centre for Brass Band Jena, it was the third time since 2018 that a brass band based on the British model was formed as part of a 'Sounds of Brass' initiative.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the course was limited to a single day this year, but it still allowed Alexander Richter, who is also the principal trumpet of the Clara Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra to provide a series of masterclasses and communal activities.

In addition to working on various chorales and course repertoire, the players were encouraged to 'think like brass band' in respect to tonality, balance and ensemble cohesion.

Huge boost

Speaking about the day, Alexander told 4BR: "What the participants achieved was simply unbelievable. It was so inspiring to be back playing and this has given us all a huge boost."

"Even before the first break, you could experience the proverbial 'living organ sound' of a brass band again — and it was perfect to hear in this wonderful setting."

What the participants achieved was simply unbelievable. It was so inspiring to be back playing and this has given us all a huge boostAlexander Richter

Suite Gothique

Alexander also revealed that given the surroundings it was felt that the perfect choice of repertoire to perform was Leon Boellmann's 'Suite Gothique'.

"One thing was certain", he added. "The Kloster Brass Band is back on track and my thanks go to the Saxony-Anhalt Cultural Foundation and the organisational team led by Petra Penning for helping us do it."

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd