*
banner

Presidential prelude to Friary coronation concert tribute

Frairy Brass recently enjoyed their concert appearance in Surrey under new MD Nigel Taken.

Friary Brass
  Friary Brass were conducted at the concert by new MD Nigel Taken

Royal Albert Hall National Finalist Friary Brass recently returned to Ash in Surrey for a charity concert organised by the local parish council to celebrate the Coronation of HRH King Charles III.

However, they opened their programme with a standing version of 'The President' march — no political point intended, but a nod to their recent enjoyable appearance at the Whit Friday contests.

Presidential start

With MD Nigel Taken making his concert debut with the band, they continued with a varied first half that included 'Prelude on Tallis', 'Appalachian Mountain' and 'The Lord Bless You and Keep', before soloists Richard and Lauren played with cornet and flugel duet 'I Know Him so Well' from the musical 'Chess'.

'Balkan Dance', 'Can You Read my Mind' and 'The Catskills' brought the first half to its finale of 'Riverdance'.

Flag waving

The 'Coronation March' followed by 'The Mill on the Cliff' overture and a Nigel Taken standard for his summer concerts, 'Manhattan Skyline' offered the prelude for a flag-waving Prom set.

Euph player Chris Straker dazzled with Hartmann's 'Rule Britannia', followed by the usual 'Last Night' favourites — all rounded off with 'Jerusalem' and 'Pomp and Circumstance No. 1'.

A retiring collection was held in favour of the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.

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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest

June 23 • All beaming smiles for Bathgate as they retain their grip on the popular march and hymn tune title.


Milnrow

Report & Result: 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune

June 23 • Milnrow adds to British Open contesting funds with double top victory in Darwen.


Flowers band celebrating their historic European triumph

World Rankings: June 2026

June 22 • Flowers bloom as Gloucester band reach No. 1 in the world after historic European triumph.


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd