*
banner

4BR Interview with Edward Gregson

Ahead of the 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival we talk at length to the event's featured composer to find out more about each of his eight works that are being performed.

Edward Gregson
  Edward Gregson is the featured composer at this year's event.

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

The Royal Northern College of Music will host its annual International Brass Band Festival between Friday 24th and Sunday 26th January.

Bands and soloists

It will feature performances from a range of outstanding bands — led by Foden's on Friday evening and followed on the Saturday by the Athena Brass Band from the USA, Tredegar, the Junior RNCM Brass Band and Black Dyke.

Sunday opens with the RNCM Brass Band, followed by Macclesfield Youth Band and Cory before the event closes with the Sunday evening performance from Brighouse & Rastrick.

Also featured are world class soloists such Ian Bousfield, David Childs, David Bremner and Ben Goldscheider as well as established stars from the UK banding world such as Tommy Tynan and Tom Smith , Belgian tenor horn player Tim de Maeseneer, and the featured performers with Athena Brass Band — Jen Oliverio, Ashley Hall-Tighe, Bente Illvold and Gail Robertson.

Arc of Repertoire

As always there will be a wide ranging arc of repertoire — from classics to world premieres and much, much more, as well as student and youth performance spotlights, discussions and interviews.

The event is being recorded by World of Brass in to be included on its Wobplay multi-media platform, so you can listen again to what promises a series of memorable concerts performances again and again.

The featured composer this year is Edward Gregson , honouring his 80th birthday celebrations, whilst there will also be works from the pen of Elgar Howarth who recently passed away.

4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Edward Gregson (prior to the news of the death of Elgar Howarth) to speak about each of the eight works of his that will be featured over the weekend4BR

4BR Interview

4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Edward Gregson (prior to the news of the death of Elgar Howarth) to speak about each of the eight works of his that will be featured over the weekend.

He talks in depth about each of them including his oldest, his 'French Horn Concerto' written in 1971 to his latest his 'Tenor Horn Concerto' written for soloist Tim de Maeseneer which will be given its world premiere in the concert by Foden's Band conducted by Michael Fowles.

In addition, he gives a personal insight into 'Laudate Dominum', his 'Trombone Concerto' to be performed by Ian Bousfield, 'Of Men and Mountains', 'Four Etudes', 'Dances and Arias' and 'Rococo Variations'.

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 and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


The Hepworth Band - A Mother's Day Gala Concert with HD9 Youth Brass

Sunday 30 March • The Civic, Holmfirth HD9 3AS


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Bedford Town Band

March 30 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

March 30 • Principal trombone player position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Shirley Band

March 29 • The Shirley Band (First Section) has a vacancy for a Percussionist, principally for mallet/timpani, with opportunity to cover kit if desired. If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd