*
banner

King and Fountain bring antipodean flavour to Blackburn with NYBBGB

Prof David King and James Fountain will lead a National Youth Band programme packed with Australian and New Zealand musical colours to Blackburn Cathedral later today.

King and Fountain
  Prof David King and James Fountain will lead the music making in Blackburn today

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is looking forward to performing at Blackburn Cathedral this evening (Saturday 10th August at 5.30pm) with an exciting programme of antipodean inspired repertoire on show under guest conductor Prof David King.

There are a few tickets left, but you had better be quick.

Ambitious programme

It ends a week of intensive music making under the Australian maestro who has certainly ensured his players are stretched with an ambitious programme that includes major works from the pens of Gilbert Vinter, Brenton Broadstock, Philip Sparke and Todd Smith in addition to wide ranging variety of other musical inspirations.

The guest soloist will be former NYBBGB principal cornet James Fountain — now the acclaimed principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra. He will be featured in Percy Code's classic 'Zelda' alongside 'Black Tears' (Chorale for Pike River) by Fraser Bremner and Michel Legrand's 'How Do You Keep the Music Playing?

Wider outlook

The band will also be celebrating its wider musical outlook and partnerships with the likes of Denis Wick Products, as well as the ongoing link with The Royal Corps of Army Music which visited the band this week to perform and inspire and the Swiss National Youth Brass Band.

They provided two members of the band as part of the Besson sponsored Horizons programme between the organisations.

In addition, Joshua Parkhill who won the 2023 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conducting Competition, and who has been working with Prof King on the course this week, will direct the band in 'Pilgrim Song' (Variations) by Thomas Rive.

Concert:

Blackburn Cathedral (BB1 5AA)
Saturday 10th August
5.30pm

Tickets: https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on/events/youth-band-summer-concert/

Programme:

James Cook Circumnavigator (Gilbert Vinter)

Zelda (Percy Code)
With All My Heart (Howard Davies)
Guest Soloist: James Fountain

Born to Battle (Symphony for Brass Band) (Brenton Broadstock)

Land of the Long White Cloud (Philip Sparke)

Black Tears (Chorale for Pike River) (Fraser Bremner)
How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (Michel Legrand arr. P Lawrence)
Guest Soloist: James Fountain

Pilgrim Song (Variations) (Thomas Rive)

Meditation (The Light of the World) (Dean Goffin)
Vita Destructa (Todd Smith)

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


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


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd