What had become a title winning road less travelled by in the seven years since they last enjoyed victory at the Royal Albert Hall, once again became a journey of triumph for Cory and Philip Harper as they were crowned National Champion.

An absorbing contest had held the possibility that the final destination of the famous silver trophy could detour to a number of potential winning destinations.

Final destination

But whilst audience opinions varied, it was Cory's late draw rendition of Philip Sparke's test -piece that for the ticket inspectors of adjudicators Rob Wiffin OBE, Ray Farr and Alan Morrison determined that its final stop would be in Wales.

And although close, it was a clear victory ahead of podium finishers Aldbourne and Foden's according to Alan. He later told 4BR that although not completely error free, Cory's outstanding performance of 'A Road Less Travelled By', had made their task "fairly straightforward".

Speaking on stage as the players started their celebration with their MD, he said: "It was close but clear. We noted a couple of moments, as we did with the best bands today, but it had such a musical assuredness in the approach that stood out."

He did however reveal that there was "a discussion" between second and third, whilst "much more time" was taken with Black Dyke and Desford Colliery over the final pre-qualification place on offer ahead of Flowers in sixth.

Open echo

Alan's explanation added insight to those made in the pre-results address by adjudication panel Chairperson, Prof Rob Wiffin OBE — ones that also had a distinct echo of what had been noted by Martyn Brabbins about the performances of another Sparke work ('Music of the Spheres') the British Open.

Philip Sparke's "craft of his scores is second to none", he said, before tellingly adding that whilst "there was also some room for interpretation" the judges were happy to "accommodate that, as long as you didn't distort the facts".

And as the "the composer's advocates", that he said included the use, or misuse of mutes in sections of very quiet writing, as well as "directional playing", when performers stood up or to played straight at the box. The key though was the ability to retain the 'essential integrity' of the 'Nocturne' and "the musical lines and everything that spread out from it" — adding that, "there had to be logic to it — and that's what we were listening for."

Not heard before

Further endorsement came with the collective written opinions — Rob Wiffin summing up his remarks by saying Cory had, "revealed many things not heard before" as well as praising the "brilliant soloists" and "great direction". Alan meanwhile called it a performance "of the highest musical integrity from all around the band not least the MD", whilst Ray Farr succinctly described it as "fabulous".

Speaking to 4BR after the celebrations started to die down, Philip Harper (who has now won a fifth National with his band) said: "We're all absolutely delighted. The history of a band like Cory is always palpable whenever we're at the bandroom or in the stage 'reds', and it's humbling for us all to be able to play a small part in adding to that with this 10th win.

We've had some challenges in recent years, but we've kept going, through thick and thin. We know what our band values and principles are, and for me it's always about a firm commitment to musical excellence. We now have a new generation of players at Cory and in a way this feels like winning a first major with a new band!"

He added: "I've been Philip Sparke's number 1 fan since I wrote to him aged 14. These last two months, with his music as test-pieces for both the Open and the Nationals have been simply fantastic. It's so easy to inspire your players when the music is of this quality. For me, he is simply the best."

That compliment was returned by the composer in his thanks to the MD who then invited Philip Sparke to be part of the official celebratory stage photograph.

Aldbourne progress

The progress along the road of elite level travel now undertaken by Aldbourne and MD Glyn Williams since taking the baton at the Wiltshire band in 2021 was further shown as they came runner- up — their highest finish at a major championship event.

As at the recent British Open, the confident consistency in producing performances inspired by their conductor's informed insight is finding admirers both in and out of the adjudicator's box.

Here it occurred again; Rob Wiffin calling it a "highly coloured and vividly executed performance", whilst Alan Morrison said it was a rendition, "that explored the whole range of tonal colour, dynamic contrast and musicality" led by a master musician."

And whilst Ray Farr did note that the final section was "too fast for this acoustic", he did add that overall, it was "impressive playing in every way".

Foden's close

For Foden's, hopes of securing a 'Double' after their British Open win just fell short despite another late draw. Following Cory as the penultimate band of the day, Russell Gray once again drew out rich textures and detailed balances from his cultured take on the score.

However, moments of individual unease and intonation issues were enough to deny a 17th title with an account summed up as being, "a very fine performance" by Ray Farr and, "a very commendable effort with very few errors and only minor blemishes" by Rob Wiffin. Alan Morrison concurred, saying that it had been a rendition "of great stature but not without small elements that broke the accuracy".

As Alan revealed, the judges took their time with the final placings, adding that was little to choose between Black Dyke (who claimed the final pre-qualification place) in fourth and defending champion Desford Colliery in fifth, with a small group of "good performances" a close match behind, led by Flowers in sixth.

Dyke, Desford and Flowers admirers

Black Dyke, who followed Aldbourne just before the halfway comfort break, drew admirers with their performance under Prof Nicholas Childs of cultured framing — described by Ray Farr as "brilliant" in his summing up, and by Rob Wiffin as "by any measure, a convincing performance full of detail and control expressed confidently." Alan Morrison said it was a rendition, "that so often lifted the music off the page."

For Desford, their impressive title defence off an early draw dispatched any lingering conspiracy theories over their 2025 win to the Albert Hall dustbins, as MD David Morton drew an emotive account from his experienced team.

Summed up by the judges as containing "so much good music and playing, "a really fine performance" and "a joy to listen to" it arguably deserved greater reward.

For many, so too Flowers, after Paul Holland drove them along a 'road' of Sparke speed awareness that matched their renowned technical virtuosity with expressive musicality. The European champion was back to its best though.

Just occasional moments of imbalance and "minor blemishes" were noted in the box in what was described as "a very performance" and "a very musical reading from the MD".

Welcome return

Others too impressed on Philip Sparke's accessible, but deceptively difficult work, which for many listeners brought a welcome return to hearing musical nuance and informed stylistic consideration rather than all too familiar explosions of bombast, shock and awe.

And whilst audience numbers were perhaps on a par or just above from last year, it was noticeable that more people stayed in the hall to listen to multiple performances.

The draw may have helped, but time and again conversations, (many from overseas visitors), spoke of the enjoyment that came with being able to appreciate creative music making rather than mere displays of technical brilliance.

Start to finish

It was the case throughout the day — from the cooperation band's fine number 1 draw performance to end seventh (the highest No.1 finish since 2013) all the way through to NASUWT Riverside to close.

Whilst the Scots faced a long trek back to Ayrshire to perform in a concert the following day, the players of a delighted Zone One Brass could celebrate locally long into the night as they secured a third top-10 finish in four years under Richard Ward — aided by a 'Most Outstanding Player' cameo gem contribution from LSO principal trumpet James Fountain on solo (not principal) cornet.

Mixed midfield

Behind them the midfield finishers were something of a mix and match bag for the judges.

A memorable weekend for a back to form Grimethorpe saw them come ninth (after playing to an Albert Hall audience packed like sardines on the Friday night) with a performance that still had that a fair amount of 'Brassed Off' adrenaline in its veins. The final top-10 slot went to GUS Band as they impressed with their considered approach under Christopher Bond.

Elsewhere, KNDS Fairey, Whitburn, Tredegar, debutants Derwent, NASUWT Riverside and Hepworth were left in various degrees of positivity or disappointment, whilst debutants Sandhurst Silver, Verwood Concert Brass, EverReady and Kirkintilloch performed with merit against a strong field of rivals.

For Kapitol Promotions the challenges of the road ahead remain — although with the fine choice of test-piece, the excellent running of the contest day and increased marketing awareness (as well as the Trivergence ensemble pre-results mini-concert), the positive feedback received will fuel their determination to overcome them.

Iwan Fox

We now have a new generation of players at Cory and in a way this feels like winning a first major with a new band!Cory MD, Philip Harper

Result:

Test piece: A Road Less Travelled By (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Ray Farr; Alan Morrison; Prof. Rob Wiffin OBE

1. Cory (Philip Harper)*
2. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams)*
3. Foden's (Russell Gray)*
4. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs)*
5. Desford Colliery (David Morton)
6. Flowers (Paul Holland)
7. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler)
8. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward)
9. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington)
10. GUS Band (Christopher Bond)
11. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk)
12. Whitburn (Chris Shanks)
13. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse)
14. Derwent Brass (Jack Capstaff)
15. NASUWT Riverside (Richard Marshall)
16. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
17. Sandhurst Silver (Joshua Ruck)
18. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith)
19. EverReady (Stephen Roberts)
20. Kirkintilloch (Christopher Binns)

*pre-qualify for 2027 National Final

Best Instrumentalist: James Fountain (cornet) — Zone One Brass
James Shepherd Memorial Award to Principal Cornet of Winning Band: Kyle Lawson (Cory)