*
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    


NYBBWales

Welsh youth set for trio of Harper led performances

May 21 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Philip Harper can be heard in Bangor, St David's and Newport in August.


4BR Reviw

4BR Review — Episode 18

May 21 • Enjoy the latest debate about the banding world as Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh air their opinions on banding's artistic vision.


Willebroek

Willebroek to show case major talents in Birmingham

May 21 • A trio major compositions will be showcased by the current World and Belgian champions at the Elgar International Festival of Brass.


Dutch Open

Big bands and brass bands to provide entertainment at Dutch Open

May 21 • There will be plenty of great entertainment on offer on stage at the Dutch Open next month.


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


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


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.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd