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4BR Review podcast: Episode 2

The second episode is now out with at look at what has been, and what is going on in the banding world.

4BR Podcast
  The second episode is now out

Welcome to the second episode of the 4BR Review where joined by my colleague Chris Thomas we will once again be both looking back, as well as forward to, what has and what is, happening in the brass banding world.

To enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsE04xbG96k

What's on...

On this episode we look back at the recent Norwegian Championships in Bergen as well as forward to the series of Regional Championship event across the UK in the next few weeks — giving a few 'kiss of death' nominations on bands to watch out for.

All that and we touch on recent concerts at the Royal College of Music in London and Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, how we've been getting on enjoying the CD of Tim de Maeseneer and our book choices of the biography of Wilfred Heaton and 'Time's Echo' by Jeremy Eichler.

We also give you some new choices to look out for in the coming weeks to with new releases from Hauts de France and Gavin Higgins, concerts from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion, books from Peter Bassano and John McCabe, contests and even two old vinyl LPs to add to your collection.

Featured reviews:


CDs:

Storm
Hauts de France
Conductor: Luc Vertommen
World of Brass: https://www.worldofbrass.com/102201
WobPlay: www.wobplay.com

Rong Brass:
Download only: https://www.worldofbrass.com/DOYCD444-download

Concerts:

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Sunday March 2nd
Town Hall
Birmingham
Go to: https://cbso.co.uk/events/cbso-brass-percussion-town-hall

Books:

So Written to After Times
John McCabe — A Life in Letters

Go to: https://www.prestomusic.com/books/products/9731660--so-written-to-after-times-john-mccabe-a-life-in-letters

Before the Music Stopped
The Life of Professional Musician 1965 — 2000
Go to: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-Music-Stopped-Professional-1965-2000/dp/B09NGXZPZB

LPs:

Gothenburg Brass Band
Conductor: Bengt Eklund
Polyphonic Recordings: PRL032D

Grimethorpe Special
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Conductor: Elgar Howarth
Featuring: Besses o' th' Barn Band
Narrator: Valerie Solti
Decca Records: HEAD14

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Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 20 • There is a great programme to enjoy with Martin Upfold this weekend.


Works

Transitions and dualities to test European contenders

February 19 • EBBA has released further details of the works by Norwegian composers Fredrick Schjelderup and Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen that will face the bands in the Championship and Challenge Sections in Stavanger.


Works

EBBA provide details of Euro Youth Championship test-pieces

February 19 • Works inspired by the Nordic landscape and activities will challenge the competitors at the European Youth Championships in Stavanger.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast: Episode 2

February 17 • The second episode is now out with at look at what has been, and what is going on in the banding world.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 13 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables) needs a TENOR HORN for the regional contest in Stevenage on 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

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