*
banner

So precious an experience for conductor competition winner with Foden's

So Matsukawa, has described working and conducting Foden's Band as a truly precious musical experience.

  So Matsukawa worked alongside Foden's MD, Russell Gray

So Matsukawa, the winner of the 2024 Brass Band Conductors' Association's (BBCA's) Conducting Competition has described conducting Foden's Band at their recent Regent Hall concert in London as "truly precious".

The Japanese musician claimed the award earlier this year, part of which was to work with conductor Russell Gray and to direct Foden's at the high profile concert held on the eve of the Royal Albert Hall National Final.

Precious

Speaking about the experience he said: "I have been waiting for this concert since I received the conducting prize in June.

I never thought I would be able to make music with a band that I had only heard on CD before coming to the UK. But it wasn't just the concert that was truly precious this time. The 10 days I spent with Foden's were each a gem.

From the first rehearsal, Foden's welcomed me like family and immediately appreciated my conducting. I shared every moment of Russell conducting until the National Championships."

Blessing

He added: "I have admired the sound of British brass bands since I played the tuba in Junior high school. 'Harrison's Dream' was one of my favourite pieces and this year it was played at the National Final. I felt, what a blessing!

I have now enjoyed 'Harrison's Dream' many times in those 10 days with the sound of the super Foden's."

So conducted two pieces at the Regent Hall concert — 'The Roots of Heaven' by Malcolm Arnold and 'With Fire and Sword' by Peter Graham.

Making my UK debut with Foden's has been like finding a diamond in my heart for lifeSo Matsukawa

Moved to tears

Looking back, he said: "Those two songs were not the only ones that moved me, as Foden's performed hymns as a routine before rehearsals. I was originally planning to play only one hymn before a rehearsal, but I added another one on the spot."

He added: "On the evening we all arrived at the hall 30 minutes before the performance started. There was no rehearsal, but the band was perfect.

I will never forget that moment on stage and then in supporting them at the contest. I was so impressed it brought me to tears! Making my UK debut with Foden's has been like finding a diamond in my heart for life."

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd