*
banner

Grimethorpe engages in fusion music making

'Surtaal Celebrates' offers the opportunity to join musical forces with Grimethorpe, RSVP Bhangra and other leading musicians around the globe.

Surtaal
  The innovative project brings Grimethorpe together with musicians across the globe

A new musical project involving Grimethorpe Colliery Band and other leading performers supported by the PRS For Music has just been launched.

'Surtaal Celebrates' is an exciting musical fusion project by composer Liz Lane and RSVP Bhangra that combines the 'virtual' style of music making which engaged performers and audiences worldwide through lockdown.

Launch video

The launch video features Grimethorpe, together with Surtaal co-writers RSVP Bhangra; soprano Belinda Evans; a vocal quartet of The Guards Chapel, London; the Carducci String Quartet, and Darius Battiwalla at the organ of Leeds Town Hall.

However, the 'Surtaal Celebrates' project is also open to music makers across the UK and beyond, with the opportunity to get involved.

Free resources

A range of free resources, including sheet music, backing tracks and more, are now available online via the Grimethorpe Band's website for individuals and groups to download, perform, record and contribute to the project.

It is hoped that every type of musical instrumentation can be included — from harps to handbells, bodhran to barbershop choir, so if you want to be a part of such a rich project people can contribute their own video to this global celebration of the return of live music

Videos are being collected over the coming weeks, via www.easyvirtualchoir.com
with a final massed showcase presentation then being released online, to coincide with the Diwali celebrations on Thursday 4th November.

Together

Speaking about their involvement, Grimethorpe Musical Director David Thornton stated: "Surtaal Celebrates seeks to represent the delight which all music makers feel being able to once again make music live together.

It also celebrates the new found global connectivity which online music-making has given us, and which was such a lifeline during the lockdown period."

He added: "It's been a pleasure for Grimethorpe to work on this project together with Liz, RSVP and all who contributed to it. We hope it will inspire others to join us in celebrating this moment and to contribute their own videos."

Vibrant music

Composer Liz Lane added: "I love new collaborations and ideas — it has been fantastic to work with Grimethorpe on this innovative project which combines so many musical forces live and remote, incorporating the vibrant music of my friends RSVP Bhangra.

My thanks go out to all involved — and I can't wait to hear how additional musicians choose join in over the next few weeks. We have already have harps, handbells and a Spanish barbershop choir!

Message to the world

In response, RSVP Bhangra's, Dildar Singh added: "We have come together to synergise creative innovations. These spirits in this current time of change, bring together a variety of live music environments.

In addition, the project utilises technology to communicate and share with musicians across the world.

These musicians share music and a message to the world, we are one world, so let's share love peace and respect love for everyone. This is a message to all our existing and potential partners and future audiences — play along and let's innovate"

Further information

The project launch video is now available to view on all Grimethorpe Colliery Band social media channels.

For full project information and resources, visit www.grimethorpeband.co.uk

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    


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Martyn Evans

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd