*
banner

Finalists announced for Conducting Competition

Twelve finalists will compete in Eccles for the Brass Band Conductors' Association flagship title.

BBCA
  The competition takes place on Saturday 17th June

The Brass Band Conductors' Association has announced the line-up of twelve conductors who will now go forward to the semi-final round of its flagship competition.

It follows a first-round adjudication of video entries from across the banding world — the highlights of those making it through can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bihgilxs3nQ

Neil Brownless, Matthew Ryan, Tom Hancock, Rita Arendz, Alistair Gibson, Stefano Giacomelli, Luca Pasqua, Rokas Podelis, Oliver Hallstead-Brooks, Neil Bowden, Kyle Blake and Andrew Lofthouse will now progress to the Yamaha sponsored semi-final on Saturday 17th June to be held at Eccles Town Hall.

Six finalists

Each conductor will rehearse the Hammonds Band on either 'The World Rejoicing' by Edward Gregson or 'Sounds' by John Golland. They will be assessed by adjudicators Paul Holland and Mareika Gray, with six conductors going through to the evening's final where they will conduct Eccles Borough Band.

BBCA Chairperson, James Holt told 4BR: "It's fantastic that our competition attracts worldwide high-class interest.

This is an outstanding opportunity for them to work with fine ensembles and I'm sure it will be a great day for those involved."

This is an outstanding opportunity for them to work with fine ensembles and I'm sure it will be a great day for those involvedBBCA Chairperson, James Holt

Free to enjoy

Those wishing to watch the semi-finalists in action are welcome (11.00am to 3.00pm and the evening Gala Concert at 7.30pm) can come along to Eccles Town Hall.

The first half of the concert will see the six finalists leading the band through their final piece before the band will be led by BBCA Executive President Russell Gray. Entry is free with a retiring collection.

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    


Darwen Brass

Darwen appeal success for National Championships

May 9 • The band's successful final appeal sees then head to Cheltenham later this year as North West Regional Champion.


euro

Report & Result: 2025 European Conductor Competition

May 8 • Jaap Musschenga of The Netherlands wins the first European title of the weekend in Stavanger.


Gevena

Geneva offers two free tickets for Euros in Stavanger

May 6 • If you are quick off the mark in Stavanger on Friday then you can get your hands on two tickets for all the main attractions for the weekend — but you must bring a mouthpiece.


Town Hall

New era for Spring Festival with Birmingham move

May 6 • The British Open Spring Festival will be held in Birmingham in 2026.


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


Dobcross Silver Band - Glossop Old Band

Sunday 11 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Olney Brass

May 8 • Ambitious and friendly L&SC 2nd section contesting band, based in Newport Pagnell (near to jnct 14, M1) currently seeking the following players: CORNETS (solo cornets desired, positions negotiable), Eb BASS, FLUGELHORN, PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM.


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • 1st horn position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd