*
banner

Gray honoured to round off 2022 with another conducting award

Russell Gray has just returned from Lithuania to round off a memorable 2022 by being named 4BR Conductor of the Year.

Russell Gray
  Russell already has a busy 2023 schedule planned

Russell Gray has told 4BR that he is "honoured"to have been voted '4BR Conductor of the Year' after a 2022 in which he worked with "so many fabulous musicians".

4BR managed to catch up with the Scotsman after he returned home from Lithuania after completing his final trip in what has been both a busy and hugely successful year — including contest successes in leading Foden's to a second successive National Championship victory and Brighouse & Rastrick to the Brass in Concert title.

Honoured

"I'm honoured to receive the award — one that is regarded so highly by people in the brass banding world. It's been a very busy year for me, and I've been very fortunate to have worked with so many fabulous musicians and friends."

He added: "Being asked to make music with people is a very privileged position to be in and I thank them for helping me create some very memorable performances throughout the year. They do all the hard work — and a special mention of course to Mareika and Angus who give me unwavering support."

Lithuania

Russell returned in time to spend Christmas with his family after working on what is a two-year project with conductors in Lithuania, with the final 'Aukstyn Christmas Concert' taking place on the 18th December.

The project is being jointly implemented by the local Panevezys District Municipality together with the Norwegian Cultural School 'Voss Kulturskule' with various European agency backing, and saw a brass band composed of the conducting delegates and local players perform works for an appreciative audience.

Russell added: "There were 15 young conductors taking part — each now with a clearer understanding of what conducting a brass band is all about. These included motivated youngsters, experienced choir conductors, organists, village chapel leaders, even a masters degree musician."

The Scotsman was joined by Norway conductors Oddvar Nøstdal and Bjørn Breistein for what is a blueprint of the successful Voss tutoring method to educate future leaders of musical ensembles.

Deserved

Speaking about the success of the project, Remigijus Vilys told 4BR: "Our congratulations go to Russell for this most deserved award. His expertise and leadership have been inspirational here with us."

Russell is now taking the time to recharge his batteries before heading into what promises to be an equally busy, and hopefully successful 2023 with trips to Europe, America and Australia in addition to his UK commitments.

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd