*
banner

Friary celebrate 40th anniversary with tributes

Friary Brass was joined by former MD, Chris King and Brighouse & Rastrick cornet star Tom Smith to help celebrate their anniversary in musical style.

Friary Brass
  The band featured mellophoniums as part of their musical celebration

Friary Brass recently presented their 40th Anniversary Concert to a packed audience to round off a memorable celebration at Trinity Methodist Church in Woking.

Music ranging from popular classics to pop hits supplemented the appearance of guest soloist Tom Smith of Brighouse & Rastrick Band.

He provided a virtuosic first half performance of 'Carnival of Venice' before being joined by Lauren Straker on flugel for a rendition of Piazzolla's 'Oblivion', whilst in the second he showcased Leonard Ballantine's 'Don't Doubt Him Now', followed by a 'Quicksilver' duet with Friary principal cornet Richard Straker.

Mellophoniums

The entertainment factor was further enhanced by four mellophoniums (above) for Lionel Ritchie's 'All Night Long', whilst other highlights included William Himes' 'Procession to Covenant' and Darrol Barry's 'A Salford Sinfonietta', as well as a couple of new commissions to be included in Friary's forthcoming Brass in Concert set.

Former MD Chris King returned to conduct the band and was presented with a glass plaque recognising his outstanding contribution towards the band's success over the years of his tenure. A similar presentation was also made to former euphonium player and administrator, Mike Trumble.

This was an evening to savour, and a perfect way to mark the 40th anniversary in styleBand Chairperson, David Wicks

Evening to savour

Speaking about the event, Band Chairperson, David Wicks told 4BR: "This was an evening to savour, and a perfect way to mark the 40th anniversary in style.

We are deeply grateful to Tom Smith for being our guest soloist, and to Chris King for returning to conduct part of the programme, alongside our current MD Nigel Taken."

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    


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Lewis Barton

Barton broadcast launches NXTOD series

September 26 • A new series rom NXTOD films will start with a showcase of the recital talents of rising star Lewis Barton.


Oldroyd

Oldroyd EVO continues to make its mark on performers

September 26 • The maker says it is attracting interest and customers for instruments with incredible potential.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd