*
banner

Concerto Grosso gains top 10 critical acclaim

One of the most respected classical music critics in the UK has nominated the twin National Youth Band and National Youth Orchestra performances of Gavin Higgins' 'Concerto Grosso' in the Top-10 highlights of 2024.

Higgins
  Gavin Higgins with the CEOs of the NYBBGB (Mark Bromley) and the NYO (Sarah Alexander) at the London performance

The twin performances given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the National Youth Orchestra of Gavin Higgins' 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' are one of The Observer newspaper's Top-10 'Best of Culture' Classical Music highlights of the year.

Liverpool and London

The performances of the award-winning work were conducted by Tess Jackson at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall, followed by London's Royal Festival Hall in London in April. Also included in the London performance was Dani Howard's 'Fanfare'.

According to the newspaper's respected classical music critic Fiona Maddocks they stood alongside productions of 'Elektra' at the Royal Opera House, Britten's 'Death in Venice' by Welsh National Opera, violinist Pekka Kuusisto, pianist Yuja Wang and John Wilson's Sinfonia of London as one of her highlights of 2024.

Productions of 'Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin', Bartok's 'Bluebeard's Castle', and those at the BBC Proms by Garsington Opera and by the Manchester Camerata at the Royal Albert Hall also made the list.

Maturity and depth

Speaking about the latest accolade for a work that has already gained Royal Philharmonic Society and Sky Arts South Bank awards, composer Gavin Higgins told 4BR: "All the congratulations go to the exceptionally talented young players.

The 'Concerto Grosso' is an immensely difficult work, but the maturity and depth of understanding in the brace of performances given in Liverpool and London was simply incredible.

I cannot thank them all enough, it was one of my proudest moments to hear them perform together, and it shows just how important and how rewarding investing in young musicians can be."

The 'Concerto Grosso' is an immensely difficult work, but the maturity and depth of understanding in the brace of performances given in Liverpool and London was simply incredibleGavin Higgins

Full of bravura

In her review of the performance, Fiona Maddocks said that the performers had, "made light work" of a "storming showpiece full of bravura as well as poetry", whilst she also picked out solo cornet player Lewis Barton — saying that he fell into "the prized category of "ridiculously talented".

In response to the news, NYBBGB CEO Mark Bromley told 4BR: "I can only echo what Gavin has said. It was a truly memorable partnership on an amazing piece of music, brilliantly conducted and performed by superbly talented players.

The critical acclaim it achieved at the time and now again has been fully justified."

Broadcast

The memorable 'Catalyst' performance at Royal Festival Hall was recorded and subsequently broadcast of BBC Radio 3.

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    


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Tredeagr Band

New addition to Tredegar tuba team

October 28 • Edward Falloon, the principal tuba of the National Youth Orchestra joins the bass section at the Welsh Champion.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 28 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd