*
banner

PLC reveals his Sleepless inspirations

Composer Paul Lovatt-Cooper talks to 4BR about his latest major commission and the worldwide musical inspiration behind ‘Sleepless Cities’.

PLC
 

Paul has taken the opportunity to talk to 4BR about ‘Sleepless Cities’, his 2010 commission for the top section at the Butlins Mineworkers Championships.

Paul reveals that bands and conductors will have to look far and wide for musical inspiration too – from the Orient and India to possibly Saudi Arabia and New York in a piece that is beginning to take shape and could well be completed by the middle of this year.

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    


sWISS nATIONAL

Report & Results: 2026 Swiss National Solo Championships

April 3 • Julie Pralong joins a prestigious list of National Champions as the Treize Etoiles cornet star claims a trio of titles in Bern.


Elijah Baker

Report & Result: 2026 Australian National Championships — Champion of Champions

April 3 • A rising star makes an historic mark in Brisbane as Elijah Baker makes it a clean sweep of solo titles.


SBBA

Apocalypse marks Montreux return

April 3 • The Swiss National Championships will return to Montreux later this year with test pieces by Derek Bourgeois, Stephan Hodel Philip Wilby, Bertrand Moren, Mario Burki and Gauthier Dupertuis.


NYBBGB

Limited seats left for NYBBGB Easter showcases

April 3 • You will need to be sharp to ensure you get a seat for the two National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Easter concerts. So book now...


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet Brass Quintet

Tuesday 7 April • Charlton House. Charlton Road . London SE7 8RE


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


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 3 • We have vacancies for a trombone player and a bass player. Cleethorpes Band rehearse near the seafront on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the NOE 4th section. Other players are always welcome as we may be able to switch positions around


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • . Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd