*
banner

2021 4BR Contest Performance of the Year

Foden's memorably heroic performances of Bruce Broughton's National Final test-piece claims the 'Contest Performance of the Year' accolade.

aWARDS
  Russell Gray led Foden's to the National title with a truly memorable winning performance of 'Heroes'

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

Winner: Foden's — 'Heroes' (National Championship of Great Britain)


2. Valaisia Brass Band — 'A Gabrieli Fantasy' (Swiss National Championship)
3. Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern — 'The World Rejoicing' (Swiss National Championship)

Ten superb performances for the judges to consider in context (not all would have heard them live) — topped by Foden's memorable rendition of Bruce Broughton's 'Heroes' at the Royal Albert Hall to claim the National title.

After such a long time away, it was somehow an appropriately named set-work — and was given and appropriately heroic performance under the baton of Russell Gray to take the title.

It gained eight first choices preferences from the panel of critics, although it was hard pressed by two performances from the Swiss giants of Valaisia and Luzern — gaining seven first choices preferences between them.

Six bands in total found a first choice preference favour with nine out of the ten gaining at least a podium choice in what was a really high class field of test-piece and entertainment performances.

Panel


The Awards Panel consisted of:
Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (4BR Chief Contributor); Andrew Wainwright (Composer/Arranger/Graphic Designer); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine/4BR contributor); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/Bjorsvik Brass); David Childs (euphonium soloist/Editor BBW Magazine); David Hirst (Conductor/Adjudicator); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Owen Melhuish (President: North Shore Brass New Zealand); Chris Wormald (Conductor/Adjudicator/Arranger); Steve Jack (photographer/4BR, BBW contributor); Stein Skopholm (Norwegian broadcaster/presenter); Kurt Bohalter (Swiss Brass Band administrator/Publisher); Steven Mead (Euphonium soloist); Paul Holland (Conductor/Adjudicator); Matthew Van Emmerick (Soloist/Conductor); Mark Good (Editor British Bandsman magazine)

Past Winners:


2020: Manger Musikklag — Midnight's Butterflies (2020 Norwegian National Championship)
2019: Cory — Titan's Progress (National Championship of Great Britain)
2018: Manger Musikklag (Siddis Entertainment Championship)
2017: Eikanger Bjorsvik — Fraternity (European Championship)
2016: Cory — The Triumph of Time (British Open Championship)
2015: Cory — Spiriti (National Championship of Great Britain)
2014: Brass Band Bugermusik Luzern — Trance (Swiss National Championship)
2013: Tredegar — Arabian Nights (Fantasy on Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade for Brass Band) (British Open Championship)
2012: Foden's — Daphnis et Chloe (National Championship of Great Britain)
2011: Cory — Red Priest (British Open Championship)
2010: Fairey (Geneva) — Eden (English National Championship)
2009: Fountain City Brass Band — Dreams (Scottish Open Championship)
2008: Eikanger Bjorsvik — Riffs & Interludes (Norwegian Championship)
2007: Brass Band Oberosterreich — Titan's Progress (European Championship)
2006: Black Dyke — Vienna Nights (British Open Championship)
2005: Black Dyke — Journey to the Centre of the Earth (European Championship)
2004: Black Dyke — Montage (British Open Championship)
2003: Buy As You View Cory — Revelation (European Championship)
2002: Yorkshire Building Society — Concerto Grosso (European Championship)
2001: Foden's — Les Preludes (British Open Championship)

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    


Ben Haemhouts

Leadership schedule keeps Haemhouts in business

October 23 • The Chairperson of the EBBA Music Commission brings musical insight to the business community.


Glyn Williams

RBC students inspired by Williams

October 23 • The brass band students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire have enjoyed an inspirational visit from euphonium legend Glyn Williams.


National Youth Orchestra

National Youth Orchestra enjoys record response

October 23 • A record number of young players applied to gain a place on the 2026 National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain


Brass in Concert

Sold out signs up at Brass in Concert

October 23 • It will be a packed Glasshouse in Gateshead for this year's Brass in Concert Championship — but you may still get lucky...


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


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class TROMBONE player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd