*
banner

Higgins French Horn Concerto to be given world premiere in Wales

A new French Horn Concerto written by composer Gavin Higgins for Ben Goldscheider will be given a double world premiere in Wales this weekend.

Gavin Higgins
  The premiere is being given by Ben Goldscheider alongside the National Orchestra of Wales

A major new Concerto written by composer Gavin Higgins specially for French Horn virtuoso Ben Goldscheider accompanied by the National Orchestra of Wales will be given double world premiere in Swansea and Cardiff this weekend.

Swansea and Cardiff

Led by conductor Jaime Martin the work provides the centrepiece of a programme at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall (Staurday 13th — 3.00pm) and Cardiff's Hoddinott Hall (Sunday 14th — 3.00pm) that also includes Brahms' 'Second Symphony' as well as Hubert Parry's 'Elegy for Brahms'.

Gavin Higgins compositional output in his role as Composer in Association with the National Orchestra of Wales has won widespread critical acclaim, with his 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' claiming both a Royal Philharmonic Society and South Bank Sky Arts Award in 2023. The work also received its Norwegian premiere last year.

Ben Goldscheider is also no stranger to the brass band world having performed the Edward Gregson 'Horn Concerto' with Tredegar Band at St Martin in the Fields last year.

Significant

Speaking to musical journalist Robert Hugill on his classical music website 'Planet Hugill', Ben stated: "Gavin has written a work that is simultaneously a true Horn Concerto to its core: It explores many tropes associated with the instrument; an Eb Horn Choral reminiscent of Wagner's Ring, a programmatic connection to Nature, lively fanfares and a virtuosic, joyful Rondo reminiscent of, well, most Horn Concertos!

With that in mind, however, the work very much looks forward and breaks new ground. In terms of sheer scope, it may be the most significant contribution for quite some time."

With that in mind, however, the work very much looks forward and breaks new ground. In terms of sheer scope, it may be the most significant contribution for quite some timeBen Goldscheider

Performances:


Swansea: Saturday 13th January (3.00pm)
Brangwyn Hall
Tickets available at door

Cardiff: Sunday 14th January (3.00pm)
BBC Hoddinott Hall
Cardiff Millennium Centre
Tickets at box office

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    


Jeff Hutcherson

Welsh bands gain essential Safeguarding training

April 8 • 20 bands have updated their Safeguarding knowledge with a specialised training seminar supported by the South East Wales Brass Band Association.


The Sounding Board

BBE develops new Sounding Board

April 8 • If you are interested in shaping the future of brass banding then Brass Bands England wants to hear from you and your opinions.


Mossley

Whit Friday football boost for Mossley

April 8 • A great team of volunteer walkers have raised much needed funds to support the Mossley Whit Friday Contest.


Next Step films

Celebrate 1 Year of NXTOD with a free album

April 8 • The brass band media platform celebrates it first anniversary with a free present.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Mereside Brass

April 8 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player, maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials.


Mereside Brass

April 8 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

April 7 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd