Foden's Band will have a busy few days ahead of themselves as they prepare for the defence of their National Championship of Great Britain title at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend.

Open rehearsal

Led by Musical Director Russell Gray the band will be holding its open rehearsal on Peter Graham's 'Hyperlink' test-piece on Thursday 13th October at the theatre of Sandbach School, Crewe Rd (CW11 3NS) at 7.30pm sharp.

Regent Hall

The band then heads to London on Friday in time to provide the entertainment at the pre-Nationals concert at Regent Hall (W1C 2DJ) at 7.45pm, with another chance to hear their 'Hyperlink' preparation as well as the opportunity to hear from the composer himself as he talks about his latest work.

The baton at the that event will be shared by Russell Gray and Boris Oppliger as part of the prize for twinning the 2022 Brass Band Conductors' Association International Conducting Competition.

Swiss link

The 30-year-old Swiss musician has already gained extensive conducting experience with Ensemble de Cuivres la Covatte Coeuve, the Fanfare de Montsevelier ensemble and the mixed choir 'Val Terbi en coeuve', and travelled to Sandbach this week to work alongside Russell and the band.

Speaking about the link, Russell told 4BR: "We are delighted to welcome to Foden's and to assist me with the National preparations.

He has great musicality and having extra ears in the band room is always helpful. As President of the Brass Band Conductors' Association, I'm also proud that our annual competition is producing winners of such a high standard."

Tickets:

Tickets for Regent Hall are available via: www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens