*
banner

2022 4BR Conductor of the Year

The outstanding Russell Gray — the man who added a fourth National Championship as well as a first Brass in Concert title to his CV in 2022 is the 4BR Conductor of the Year.

Conductor
  Russell Gray is the '4BR Conductor of the Year'

Winner: Russell Gray


2. Ian Porthouse
3. Prof. David King

The Scotsman enjoyed a memorable 2022 with the baton — not only inspiring Foden's to retain the National Championship of Great Britain title, but also leading Brighouse & Rastrick to a 'Tango' success at the Brass in Concert Championship.

In addition, he left an indelible impression wherever he took his baton on his travels around Europe — including a fantastic link with the National Childrens Band of Great Britain.

He was the clear winner — with 9 first preference votes in addition to others.

Runner-up was Ian Porthouse (3 first preference votes), who led Tredegar amongst others so impressively this year — including the BBC Proms, with Prof David King in third (2 first preference votes).

Although the top three dominated the choices of the judges, the excellence of Philip Harper, Margie Antrobus, Harmen Vanhoorne also gained first preference votes with noted contributions for the work of Frederic Theodoloz and Stephanie Kennedy.

Panel:


The Awards Panel consisted of:
Iwan Fox (editor 4BR); Michael Bach (conductor/adjudicator); Kerry Baldwin (player/regional development executive ABRSM); Sarah Groarke Booth (conductor/adjudicator); Anne Crookston (conductor/adjudicator); David Gallaher (conductor/adjudicator); David Hirst (player/conductor/adjudicator); Owen Melhuish (New Zealand BBA); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Stein Skorpholm (Norwegian broadcaster/presenter); Chris Thomas (chief contributor BBW magazine/4BR contributor); Camilla Soderstrom Tveit (player/adjudicator); Luc Vertommen (conductor/adjudicator/arranger); Andrew Wainwright (composer/arranger/designer); Malcolm Wood (4BR chief contributor); Alexander Zwann (chief contributor CU Brass).

Past Winners:


2021: Arsene Duc
2020: Philip Harper
2019: Philip Harper
2018: Arsene Duc
2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Philip Harper
2015: Philip Harper
2014: Nicholas Childs
2013: Philip Harper
2012: Allan Withington
2011: David King
2010: Ian Porthouse
2009: Robert Childs
2008: Robert Childs
2007: Allan Withington
2006: Allan Withington
2005: Nicholas Childs
2004: Ray Farr
2003: David King
2002: Russell Gray
2001: David King

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    


UniBrass Band Camp

Time to sign up for Band Camp

May 19 • If you want to enjoy the UniBrass Band Camp experience this year then there is still time to sign up.


Bradwell Silver

Bradwell to celebrate 125th anniversary with special premieres

May 19 • Two newly commissioned works by composers Alan Ferne and Joe Galuska will help Bradwell Silver Band celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend.


nybbgb

75 youngsters to enjoy expert NYBBGB audition help

May 19 • 75 young players will enjoy expert tuition help at a trio of 'Ready to Shine' skills workshops later this month with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Silk Brass

Silk ties cut after 11 inspired years

May 19 • The long standing musical partnership between Silk Brass and MD, Tony Wyatt has reached its last chord.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


wantage silver band

May 19 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Harrogate Band

May 19 • We are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete our team. Interesting mix of engagements and contests. Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd