*
banner

Besson Fridays at Home — Philip Harper and Cory special edition

The last in the present series tonight sees a special broadcast from the home of Cory Band with their MD Philip Harper to find out just how he makes the world's number 1 band tick.

Besson
  The special edition is all about Cory and Philip Harper this week

There is a special 25th edition of Besson 'Fridays at Home' tonight (6.00pm) as the team go on the road for a programme all about the world's number 1 ranked band Cory and their inspirational MD, Philip Harper.

Regular presenters Steven Mead and Roger Webster are joined by 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and guests to find out more about the legendary band and the conductor who makes them tick.

Stars Wars to Ton Pentre

There is an extended interview with Philip to find out more about his musical journey from a darkened cinema in Essex in 1977 hearing the first notes of the Star Wars film hitting his eardrums courtesy of a certain Maurice Murphy, to Bristol and eventually (via Japan) to his musical home in Ton Pentre in the Rhondda Valleys — and Cory.

It's a fascinating story — from horn player to conductor, via teaching and tenures at the likes of Thornbury, Flowers and Tongwynlais — great highs and even the occasional low.

All this and Roger and Steve pose a few questions of their own as well as from fans across the banding world, and there is the chance to hear the band in action from the European, British Open and Brass in Concert Championships.

One not to miss...

Enjoy:

Go to: All this and more in this week's Episode 25 of Besson Fridays at Home

https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/

https://www.facebook.com/4barsrest

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    


Cope

4BR Wednesday interview with Clare Cope

January 21 • 4BR talks to the award winning composer ahead of the world premiere of his work, 'The Green Chapel' at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Nailsworth

Final chord ahead for Adachi and Nailsworth

January 21 • The successful six year partnership between Nailsworth Silver Band and Musical Director Anri Adachi will come to an end at the West of England Regional Championships.


Norway

80 bands line-up for Norwegian titles

January 21 • There will be two days packed with musical action in Bergen next month at the Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

Regional erratas added

January 21 • Bands have been reminded to keep an eye out for the list of errata on the 2026 Area test-pieces, as First Section amendment noted.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Uckfield Concert Brass

January 21 • First baritone player wanted for our friendly and welcoming band. We play a variety of music, from pop to classical. We meet on Tuesday evenings at The Alma public house


Uckfield Concert Brass

January 21 • Bass player wanted for our friendly and welcoming band. We play a variety of music, from pop to classical. We meet on Tuesday evenings at The Alma public house


Uckfield Concert Brass

January 21 • Cornet players wanted for our friendly and welcoming band, both front and back row. We play a variety of music, from pop to classical. We meet on Tuesday evenings at The Alma public house


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd