*
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    


Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire showcase returns

January 9 • The Lincolnshire Music Education Hub's 'Brass Band Showcase' returns later this year with the promise of it being bigger and better than ever.


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd