*
banner

New Higgins work at Aldeburgh Festival

A new cantata by composer Gavin Higgins will be featured at the famous Aldeburgh Festival next month.

hIGGINS
  Gavin Higgins continues to make a major impact on the music world

Composer Gavin Higgins continues to make a major impression on the musical world.

On Friday 17th June, the National Orchestra of Wales under the baton of Martyn Brabbins will perform his new cantata, 'The Faerie Bride' featuring singers Marta Fontanals-Simmons and Roderick Williams at the high profile Aldeburgh Festival.

Lady of the Lake

The 40 minute work is a Britten Pears Arts commission which dramatises the Welsh myth 'Lady of the Lake' in which the faerie who emerges from the water to become a local man's bride is rejected by the local community but takes matters into her own hands.

It forms part of a concert that will also feature Grace Williams' 1944 work, 'Sea Sketches' and Benjamin Britten's 'A Suite of English Folk Tunes: A Time There Was'.

The 40 minute work is a Britten Pears Arts commission which dramatises the Welsh myth 'Lady of the Lake' 4BR

Proms

The Forest of Dean composer's CV includes a trio of Proms commission, including his latest which will see Tredegar Band team up with the National Orchestra of Wales for a Proms performance on August 8th.

His 2015 ballet score to 'Dark Arteries' with Rambert Ballet, and 2019 Covent Garden opera 'The Monstrous Child' gained widespread critical acclaim, whilst his Trombone Concerto, 'The Book of Miracles' claimed a prestigious Ivor Novello Award.

Recently 'As Spoke Albion' made a huge impression at the European Brass Band Championships in Birmingham.

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    


European

EBBA confirms Conductor Competitors

February 27 • 13 participants will head to Stavanger to see if they can claim the 8th European Conductors Competition title.


Perth

Scots combine for Perth preview

February 26 • Five Scottish Championship challengers to preview their title preparations ahead of their Perth Concert Hall appearances.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 26 • Martin Upfold hosts programmes full of brass band music over the next two weekends.


Previw

Black Dyke to host Area spotlights

February 26 • The defending Yorkshire Area champion will lead a Friday evening of test-piece previews in Ossett.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Saturday 1 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Haverhill Silver Band - Waterbeach Brass, Concert in Histon Baptist Church

Saturday 1 March • Histon Baptist Church, Cambridge CB24 9LQ


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Sunday 2 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 March • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street, . Greenwich, . London, SE10 9BJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 27 • Urgently looking for TENOR TROMBONES to join us for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

February 27 • Christchurch Vintage Brass is a friendly daytime non-contesting Brass Band. We rehearse on Monday afternoons in Southbourne near Bournemouth under the Direction of Steve Chislett. We currently have vacancies for BBb Bass, Cornets & Percussion


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd