*
banner

Welsh youth ready to shine in distant parts

Philip Harper will lead the National Youth Brass Band of Wales alongside special guest soloist Isobel Daws in a trip of concerts covering all corners of the country.

Harper
  Philip Harper will be joined by Isobel Daws for the three concert tour

The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will perform the first of its three concerts across the nation this evening (Thursday 4th August).

Bangor, St David's, Llandaff

Directed by Cory MD, Philip Harper and with guest soloist Isobel Daws, the band is currently in Bangor, where they will perform at the Pontio Arts Centre at 7.30pm.

On Friday (5th August) they head to West Wales where they perform as part of the Fishguard & West Wales International Festival at St David's Cathedral (7.30pm).

They finish by taking a trip across the M4 to Cardiff where they will perform at the equally magnificent Llandaff Cathedral on Saturday 6th August at 7.30pm.

Distant and recent memories

Philip Harper will direct a demanding programme of repertoire — opening with Edward Gregson's 'Fanfare for a New Era' and also featuring his major work 'Of Distant Memories' in a link to the 40th anniversary of the formation of the band which he was the founding conductor.

Classic brass repertoire will be covered by Percy Fletcher's 'An Epic Symphony', whilst there is sure to be great interest in the world premiere of Ian Stephen's 'Colston Falls', which reflects on the impact and echoes of history that surrounded the pulling down of the statue of Edward Colston statue in Bristol in June 2020.

Isobel Daws

There are also works from the pens of Philip Sparke, Liz Lane, Ray Steadman-Allen, Stijn Aertgeerts and Philip himself, whilst Isobel Daws will perform Gordon Langford's 'Rhapsody for Trombone' and Artur Pryor's 'Bluebells of Scotland'.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd