*
banner

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Michael Fowles

We speak to the Foden's MD about the works that the Sandbach Band will feature in their forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival appearance.

Michael Fowles
  Michael Fowles talks about the RNCM programme being performed by Foden's Band

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

The opening concert of the 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival on Friday 24th January at 7.30pm, will feature Foden's Band.

Conducted by Michael Fowles their featured soloist is Tim de Maeseneer in a programme of music by Paul Mealor, Edward Gregson, Elgar Howarth, Elizabeth Vannebo, David Stanhope and John McCabe

We caught up with Michael to find out more about the works to be performed and the inspirations behind them.

Tickets

Foden's Band
Conductor: Michael Fowles

Tickets: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/basket/?instance_id=13401

Programme:


Fantasia on a Theme of Purcell (Paul Mealor)
Tenor Horn Concerto: Three Gods (Edward Gregson)
Soloist: Tim de Maeseneer

Fireworks (Elgar Howarth)
Elektrodesign (Elisabeth Vannebo)
A Leadsman, a Lady and a Lord (David Stanhope)
Cloudcatcher Fells (John McCabe)

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

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


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


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

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


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd