*
banner

Withington enters final movement with Manger

Allan Withington will bring to an end a 40 year plus link to Manger Musikklag in 2025.

Where next for Allan Withington
  Allan Withington has always looked for new musical avenues to explore

Allan Withington is to conclude his long association with Manger Musikklag in 2025.

He first linked up with the band as a guest soloist in the 1980s, later becoming their conductor and leading them to the 1991 Siddis Championship and Norwegian National title in 2002, as well to the World Championship crown in Kerkrade in 2013.

Although he also enjoyed considerable success over a 17 year period with Stavanger Band, the link was always maintained, and he returned in 2023 — coming runner-up at the Nationals earlier this year.

New avenues

Speaking about his decision he said: "I think the time is right to explore new avenues, but not before we enjoy several exciting projects, concerts and contests together.

September marks an important anniversary for the contemporary music festival in Bergen, Brass Wind — one which the band gained a great deal of critical acclaim being part of in 2018.

Siddis Brass follows and then the Norwegian National Championships in February 2025. All this and we are already starting to plan a late-night concert in connection with the European Championships in Stavanger which will be my final appearance with the band."

I think the time is right to explore new avenues, but not before we enjoy several exciting projects, concerts and contests togetherAllan Withington

Kerkrade highlight

Looking back over the past 40 years or so he added: "I first linked up as guest soloist in the 1980s when Michael Antrobus was conducting. He was a wonderful musician and we worked together to win both Siddis and National Championships.

Winning the World Championships in Kerkrade was a highlight though, but it has been the connections made with great friends on musical projects and just fun times that have made the association so important and memorable for me and my family.

Full circle

He added: "Returning last year has brought things full circle — and I think the concert in Stavanger will be a fitting end to a collaboration which has meant so much to me."

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Ian Holmes

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd