*
banner

Derwent set for birthday planetary exploration

Derwent Brass will perform Holst's 'Planets' to help celebrate their 30th anniversary boosted by a few extra crew members.

pLANETS
  The band will perform the whole of 'The Planets' suite by Gustav Holst

Derwent Brass has welcomed new members and special guests as they prepare for the final concert in a trilogy of special events designed to celebrate 30 years of the Derbyshire based band.

Stephen Hargreaves returns to the percussion team following a break from full time brass banding, together with Conor Harron who returns to the horn section following a move back to the UK.

Meanwhile, Alan Losh has been signed as assistant principal cornet. He is a former member of the International Staff Band, principal cornet of Derby Central Salvation Army Band and Salvo Brass as well as being a conductor, composer and educator for over 40 years.

Entitled 'Under the Stars', it will feature 'The Planets' suite of Gustav Holst arranged by Stephen Roberts, together with other astronomical inspired works4BR

Under the Stars

The band is now putting the finishing touches to their exciting final concert programme to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Entitled 'Under the Stars', it will feature 'The Planets' suite of Gustav Holst arranged by Stephen Roberts, together with other astronomical inspired works such as the finale from Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' and a new anniversary work from MD Jack Capstaff called 'Jubilate'.

Amongst the guests are the band's Associate Composer Matthew Eden on organ, and award-winning harpists Emily Hopper and Elfair Grug. The concert will take place on September 17th in Derby Cathedral.

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd