*
banner

National Youth Band comes of collaborative age in London

The musical collaboration between the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the National Youth Orchestra makes a huge artistic impression in the heart of London.

Gavin Higgins
  Sarah Alexander OBE, Gavin Higgins and Mark Bromley

"Remarkable, truly remarkable".

Those were the words of composer Gavin Higgins after he and the audience at the Royal Festival Hall in London enjoyed an outstanding musical collaboration between the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB).

It was one focussed on the performance of his immense 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' — his 35-minute self-proclaimed 'love letter' to the banding world, and one which he continues to proudly champion.

Premiered at the 2022 Proms by Tredegar Band and the National Orchestra of Wales, the Royal Philharmonic Society and Sky Southbank award winning composition has since been performed in Stavanger, with further high-profile European performances and a major recording scheduled over the next 18 months.

Audience response

"Just think of the age of these performers, when you listen to them," Gavin said in his pre-concert introduction alongside NYO CEO, Sarah Alexander OBE and Chairperson, Christopher Satterthwaite.

The response that came from the audience (which included music critics, composers, the Shadow Minister for Music & Tourism, representatives of Brass Bands England, donors, sponsors and many brass band supporters) as the impressive conductor Tess Jackson brought the music to its thrilling conclusion, also spoke of unbridled admiration.

"That was fantastic — and thank you," Tess Jackson said in greeting Gavin in the concert interval. "I loved it — and the players — well — they were the same."

Plaudits

The plaudits rained in around her (the 24 year old also directed the performance at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on the Friday evening).

"That was just great," composer Dani Howard (whose brass 'Fanfare' opened the second half), said, whilst Alan Thomas, former principal trumpet of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and who has worked with the players during the week added; "That was such a great joy to hear two ensembles of such talent playing as one."

The understanding and respect that emerged so quickly between the players made for such a positive experience. The performances they have given have been incredibleSarah Alexander OBE

Delighted CEOs

Variations on the same responses came time and time again from people 4BR spoke to on the night. Understandably then, there were also smiles of delight from two very proud CEOs.

"Bringing the two ensembles together has been a huge success," Sarah Alexander OBE told 4BR.

"The understanding and respect that emerged so quickly between the players made for such a positive experience. The performances they have given have been incredible."

The sentiments were echoed by the NYBBGB CEO, Mark Bromley. "This has been a landmark collaboration — one sealed by Gavin's extraordinary music. The performer and the conductor deserve every congratulation for such a memorable set of performances."

Review:

The review of the concert by the highly respected classical music critic Robert Hugill can be found at:
https://www.planethugill.com/2024/04/energy-discipline-control-and-sheer.html

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    


Alison Balsom OBE

Mail headline highlights depressing attitudes towards female performers

August 30 • The decision of multiple award winning trumpet player Alison Balsom to retire from the concert stage has been met with an awful objectifying Daily Mail headline.


mORTIMER tROPHY

Mortimer Maestro Trophy ready for a new home

August 30 • For the 35th time this year a Mortimer Maestro Trophy will be presented to the conductor of the British Open Champion.


Mental Health

Crofton to continue support for mental health awareness with new project

August 30 • Yorkshire band takes a proactive approach to mental health wellbeing series of initiatives around their music making.


Brett Baker

Final touches in place for Baker heroics

August 30 • Brett Baker's latest solo CD release will be available at the Royal Albert Hall.


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Petworth Town Band

August 30 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements and are led by our inspirational MD Paula Streeter. We would welcome new players to join our band


Enderby Band

August 30 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire, Championship section) seek: . 2nd EUPHONIUM, Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). . We are an ambitious, friendly band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


Stretford Band

August 30 • Our community based Stretford Band (Manchester) needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic bass, trombone and percussion players or any player who fancies a relaxed blow without the pressure of competition. No auditions. Good fun guaranteed. . .


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd