*
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    


Rodney Newton

80th birthday concert celebration for Newton

July 19 • Rodney Newton will enjoy a musical celebration of his birthday this weekend in Cambridge.


jhs instruments

JHS Ltd set to close

July 19 • The leading independent distributor and suppliers of Odyssey instrument brand set to close after 60 years of trading.


FodensLovatt

Lovatt joins Foden's for Regent Hall pre-National concert

July 19 • Trumpet star Mike Lovatt will reconnect with Foden's Band for their pre-National preview concert at Regent Hall.


Rooms for groups

Sold out signs up in Cheltenham

July 19 • Hotel demand from National qualifiers mean sold out signs are posted in Cheltenham.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 18 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season of concerts. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedford Town Band

July 18 • Bedford Town Band have vacancies for 1st trombone, 1st horn, EEb and BBb bass. We have several concerts and Wychavon contest in the Autumn. In the last few years the band won the Butlins 2nd section , been promoted to 1st section then 3rd at Wychavon


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd