*
banner

City of Bristol weaves Sonic Threads to Elevate artistic scope

The City of Bristol Band will link in artistic collaboration with the Sonic Threads Duo to bring the music of east and west together as part of BBE's Elevate programme.

City of Bristol
  The partnership is the third project that has been initiated by BBE under its award winning Elevate programme.

Brass Bands England has confirmed that following a third round of applications the City of Bristol Band will take part in its award-winning 'Elevate' programme.

The collaborative initiative brings together brass bands with artists from a wide range of different communities to work together over a nine-month partnership.

Eastern and Western

City of Bristol is the current West of England First Section Area champion and will work with Sonic Threads Duo — innovative artists whose mission is to merge Eastern and Western influences to create unique and powerful performances.

This third round follows on from the critical success of the first two projects.

They saw Freckleton Band link up with director, Jamie Sophia Fletcher to produce a celebration of brass bands, drag cabaret and queer culture, whilst Weymouth Concert Brass recently connected with composer Rebecca Denniff to produce a compositional exploration of the medicinal plants and herbs of the Isle of Portland.

Sonic Threads

Sonic Threads is an acclaimed duo renowned for their innovative and daring musical outlook.

Supriya Nagarajan is a composer and singer who creates rich, dreamy soundscapes that combines her Indian musical background with contemporary classical music.

Harpist Lucy Nolan uses a combination of rag inspired music, free improvisation and electronics which weave a unique sonic tapestry drawing on influences from jazz, Carnatic and Western Classical music.

The idea is that together we'll create something with a distinct sound that transcends cultural and genre boundaries — we're excited at the prospect of these different musical worlds colliding!Sonic Threads

Looking forward

Speaking about their involvement, the duo said: "We are looking forward to creating and performing a new piece with City of Bristol Band.

We plan to start by workshopping composition ideas based upon improvisation and movement, whilst also exploring the use of airflow and brass sounds."

They added: "The idea is that together we'll create something with a distinct sound that transcends cultural and genre boundaries — we're excited at the prospect of these different musical worlds colliding!"

Community outcome

In response, City of Bristol MD, Craig Roberts, said: "The band have a heritage of collaboration, from performing beneath the wings of Concorde at Aerospace Bristol, to playing with a massed choir at Bristol Cathedral last year.

We're really looking forward to including all parts of the organisation in this project, including our training band, and bringing the outcome into our community through both workshops and performances."

Round 4 applications

Applications for Round 4 of Elevate will open on Monday 9th September via the Elevate page on the Brass Bands England website.

To find out more go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/elevate

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. . .


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd