*
banner

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Philip Harper

Ahead of their appearance in Manchester on the weekend, we talk to the Cory MD about their programme of exciting contrasts.

Harper
  Philip Harper will lead Cory at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival

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

Sunday afternoon at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival sees the return of Cory Band conducted by Philip Harper with a programme of exciting contrasts.

It will feature classic test-pieces from Hubert Bath and Edward Gregson to new voices in the form of a tuba concerto featuring Tommy Tynan from Ricardo Molla and an intriguing character homage from Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri — and all starting with a bit of a storm from the pen of Thibaut Bruniaux.

We caught up with Phil to find out more.

Tickets and programme

Tickets:
https://www.rncm.ac.uk/performance/cory-band/

Cory Band
Conductor: Philip Harper
Soloist: Tommy Tynan

Programme:
Storm (Thibaut Bruniaux)
Concerto for Tuba 'Amaia' (Ricardo Molla arr Tommy Tynan)
Freedom (Hubert Bath)
Ensemble Mecanique (Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri)
Dances and Arias (Edward Gregson)

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    


Spring Festival

Change in judging teams for 2027 Spring Festival

November 5 • A conflict of interest sees Dr Robert Childs step down from his Grand Shield adjudication appointment, with Col David Barringer now taking Senior Cup roll.


siddis brass

Live Wobplay coverage of Siddis Championships

November 5 • You can sit back and enjoy the Norwegian entertainment on offer from Stavanger on Saturday on the wobplay.com media platform.


Easington

Easington's backing to John Lewis festive advert

November 5 • Your can hear the sound of a brass ensemble from Easington Colliery Band on this year's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert.


NYBBGB

Excellent response to NYBBGB Composer Competition

November 5 • Lots of interest, but there is still plenty of time to get entries in for the John Gillam Young Composer Competition run by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd