*
banner

Elgar Festival trio to showcase major programmes

Foden's, Brighouse & Rastrick and Cory will provide major programmes of repertoire at the inaugural Elgar International Festival of Brass in June.

Elgar Festival
  The three bands will be introduced by Frank Renton

Three of the most famous and successful brass bands in the world will perform at the inaugural Elgar Festival of Brass in June.

Foden's, Brighouse & Rastrick and Cory will take to the stage throughout Sunday 16th June at Routh Hall at Bromsgrove School (B61 7DU) to perform outstanding programmes featuring major works spanning nearly a century of original repertoire for the medium.

Major works

Introduced by Frank Renton, it will see British Open Champion Foden's (12.00 noon) include Dvorak's exciting 'Carnival' overture as well as 'Sand & Stars' by Thierry Deleruyelle.

England's 2024 European Championship representatives Brighouse & Rastrick (2.00pm) will the classic 'Moorside Suite' as well as a UK premiere of Philip Sparke's 'A Road Less Travelled', the set-work for their Palanga challenge.

Cory round off the day (4.00pm) including Edward Gregson's 'Dances & Arias' as well as Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom'.

There will also be solo performances with each band from Jonathan Bates (horn), Chris Robertson and Glyn Williams as well as works from the likes of Debussy, Faure, Paul Mealor, Philip Harper and John Golland.

Wonderful opportunity

Speaking about the event, organiser Carole Crompton told 4BR: "We are extremely excited at this new venture and planning is already in place for 2025.

The festival provides a wonderful opportunity to hear three world class bands perform works of substance and significance in wonderful surroundings."

The Elgar International Festival of Brass is supported by WobPlay, Denis Wick, British Bandsman and Larch Music.

Tickets:

Tickets and further details are available at: www.eifob.org.uk

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    


bROOKwRIGHT

Easter treats from BrookWright Music

February 26 • There are plenty of Easter musical treats to enjoy from a variety of composers from BrookWright Music.


Herbert

The Brass Band Story set for publication

February 26 • A new book written by Prof Trevor Herbert and aimed at general readers interested in an overall analysis and insight into the brass band movement in the UK and beyond, is to be published in July.


Desford

Small drop in Midlands Area entrants

February 26 • 69 bands will compete at the Midlands Regional Championships over two weekends in March.


Perth

Positive uptake for Scottish title challenges

February 26 • There will be two full days of competitive and non-competitive music making at the 2026 Scottish Championship in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd