RNCM set for Brass

All the best in brass get ready for the RNCM Festival of Brass.

Thursday, 24 January 2008

The self styled 'Most important Festival of Brass music ever mounted in Great Britain' makes its annual outing in January

The six top brass bands in the UK, leading international soloists and the RNCM's own ensembles feature in the 10th RNCM Festival of Brass takes place between Friday 25th and Sunday 27th January.

Programmed by artistic director Paul Hindmarsh, the vibrant music of Philip Sparke weaves through the entire weekend, alongside that of Ralph Vaughan Williams to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.

14 premieres

There will be 14 premières including a new version of Edward Gregson's popular Variations on 'Laudate Dominum' and a composition from 1933 by William Gillies Whittaker, plus exciting new arrangements and brass chamber music.

Solo stars

David Thornton and Steven Mead on the euphonium; Joseph Cook, James Gourlay and Leslie Neish on the tuba and RNCM graduate Katrina Marzella on the baritone will all perform new or recent works.

Alongside the performances, there will be talks and workshops and the first Intercollegiate Brass Quintet Competition with students from many of the UK's leading conservatoires taking part4BR

Distinctive sounds

The distinctive sounds of some of the UK's leading brass bands including the Black Dyke Band, The Cory Band, Brighouse & Rastrick Band, Leyland Band, Foden's Richardson Band and Grimethorpe Colliery Band, will also be heard.

Alongside the performances, there will be talks and workshops and the first Intercollegiate Brass Quintet Competition with students from many of the UK's leading conservatoires taking part.

Radio 3 present

The festival's Artistic Director, Paul Hindmarsh confirmed to 4BR that BBC Radio 3 will again be present to record over the weekend. Highlights of Black Dyke, Fodens and Grimethorpe's programmes will be aired on the station in the not too distant future.

4BR will be there to cover each of the concerts and to provide reviews.

Tickets

Full Festival Tickets £60, Day Tickets £30 and Individual Tickets are available from the Box Office, RNCM 0161 907 5555 or online at www.rncm.ac.uk

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