*
banner

Welsh poet inspires new trombone work

The words of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas have inspired composer Gareth Trott to write a new trombone work to be premiered by Jonathan Pippen this weekend.

Dylan Thomas
  The famous poem was written by Dylan Thomas in 1947

The Wantage Band is set to explore further exciting repertoire horizons with a new trombone solo work written by Gareth Trott. Led by MD Paul Holland, it will be performed by Jonathan Pippen.

Earlier this year the band premiered a new work by Royal Philharmonic Society prize winner Florence Anna Maunders at the Newbury Spring Festival, and they are now set to perform a brand composition by the Welsh composer.

Do not go gentle...

'Do not go gentle into that good night' is inspired by the famous 1947 work written by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. The composer sets it against a sound world reminiscent of Eric Whitacre styled harmonies in its lyrical, atmospheric form.

Talking about it, Gareth told 4BR: "It's wonderful to have Jonathan give the premiere and in rehearsals Wantage have sounded fantastic in their accompaniment. I'm really looking forward hearing it this weekend."

Emotional honesty

In response, Jonathan said: "It's been fantastic to work on a new piece by such a talented composer. The original concept was for wind band to be played by the Welsh Guards, but this brass band version has a deep emotional honesty about it which is so alluring.

Working with composers on new works has been a passion of mine and to do so as a soloist is always a special process. Paul and Wantage are doing a fantastic job so I hope people will enjoy a wonderful new addition to the trombone solo repertoire."

The concert will take place Aldworth School in Basingstoke at 7.00pm on Saturday 10th June.

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd