*
banner

Transatlantic connections for Grimethorpe

Composer Johan de Meij and Lake Wobegon are the latest worldwide musical connections made by Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Grimethorep
  The band has been busy welcoming visitors to its rehearsals

Grimethorpe Colliery Band is enjoying meeting brass band friends from both the USA and Europe at present.

de Meij

The band recently recorded a new CD of the music of Johan de Meij, the Dutch composer who wrote 'Extreme Makeover', one of the most popular set-works for the European Championships.

They worked under his direction to record several of his compositions, including his early 'Sinfonietta No 1' and three movements from his epic 'Lord of the Rings' Symphony.

He also took the opportunity to play euphonium in an arrangement of the famous 'The Pearl Fishers' duet by Bizet which he arranged to also feature harp accompaniment.

Fantastic

Speaking about the collaboration he said: "It has been an absolute delight to work with Grimethorpe. The players are fantastic and are very passionate about what they do. They were super motivated to get the best results out of the recording.

It was a fantastic experience, and it was the very first time in my 45-year career that I've conducted a British brass band. I will never forget it."

Lake Wobegon

Meanwhile, this weekend the band hosts Lake Wobegon Brass Band from the USA in a special concert at Pontefract Town Hall (Sunday 26th June — 3.00pm)

The concert will feature the world premiere of 'Handsel Overture' by Grimethorpe's International Composer in Association, Jack Stamp.

Jack, who is also a member of Lake Wobegon Band will conduct the premiere himself — bringing to fruition a project that first started over three years ago.

It was a fantastic experience, and it was the very first time in my 45-year career that I've conducted a British brass band. I will never forget itJohan de Meij

Thrill

Lake Wobegon MD, Michael Halstenson, told 4BR: "We have been huge admirers of Grimethorpe Colliery Band for so many years, so you can imagine the thrill this concert gives us in sharing a stage with them.

It promised to be a wonderful occasion of music making and fellowship that will last in our memories forever."

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased from the Grimethorpe Band website at:

https://grimethorpeband.co.uk/product/pontefract-town-hall/

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    


Simon Gresswell

Gresswell takes baton at Dronfield

June 9 • Simon Gresswell has been appointed the new MD at Dronfield Band.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

June 9 • Join presenter Martin Upfold for more great brass band music over the airwaves


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


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.


Ian Holmes

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd