*
banner

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

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

Gregson
  Edward Gregson will be the soloists for his 'Nocturne' (Image: Katy Bridgestock)

The 80th birthday celebrations for compeer Edward Gregson will continue this evening (Tuesday 28th October — 7.30pm) in Glasgow, with 'A Scottish Brass Spectacular' concert featuring the cooperation band and RCS Brass, at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Trumpet of the Angels

Led by conductors Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, John Logan and Mark Reynolds the evening will not only showcase the composer's works such as the immense 'Trumpet of the Angels' and the 'Nocturne' from his 'Concertante for Piano and Brass Band' with him at the keyboard, but also other significant compositions from the likes of Thea Musgrave ('Variations') and Joseph Horovitz ('Music Hall Variations').

There will also be a premiere of Andrew Babu Jacob's 'Opening Fanfare', whilst the featured soloists will be Whitburn Band's solo horn player Andrew Macmillan in Gregson's 'Three Gods' Horn Concerto and Hedley Benson of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Youth addition

There will be a pre-talk at 6.30pm given by Edward Gregson alongside the cooperation band Youth Band conducted by Stephanie Kennedy.

Speaking about the evening, Katrina Maerzeela-Wheeler told 4BR: "This is something of a Scottish 'Gregson's Choice', with Eddie delighted to select works by Thea Musgrave and Jospeh Horovitz, two composer he has admired greatly throughout his career.

The world premiere of Andrew Babu Jacob's 'Opening Fanfare' has been specially commissioned for the event and has a Gregson flavour to it as part of the celebration.

Inspired

Katrina added: "This concert brings students, professionals, music-lovers and creative partners into one shared space to honour a composer whose work has inspired generations.

Our shared finale, 'The Trumpets of the Angels' with the RCS Brass promises to bring the house down and it is a wonderful gesture by Eddie to share his pre-concert talk with the cooperation Youth Band who will perform one of his earliest works, 'Music for Greenwich'.

This concert brings students, professionals, music-lovers and creative partners into one shared space to honour a composer whose work has inspired generationsKatrina Marzella-Wheeler

Deeply honoured

In looking forward to the evening Edward Gregson added: "I'm deeply honoured by this wonderful occasion It is a celebration of my and others music and I can't wait for that finale — and what promises to be a real biblical epic of 'The Trumpets of the Angels'."

Tickets:


Tuesday 28th October (7.30pm)
Stevenson Hall, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow
Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm with Edward Gregson in conversation with John Logan

Tickets:
https://www.rcs.ac.uk/whats-on/

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    


ConsTest

Result: 2026 ConsTest Birmingham Open

April 11 • Derwent Brass claim the honours in the heart of Birmingham with a show of future ambition.


New Zealand

Results: 2026 New Zealand National Championships

April 11 • North Shore Brass breaks the Wellington stranglehold on the A Grade honours as there are section wins for St Kilda Brass, Rolleston Brass, Brass Whanganui Concert Brass and Tonga Collge Brass


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd