*
banner

City of Bristol Band

Conductors: Craig Roberts & Ian Holmes
St George's Bristol
Sunday 17th October


City of Bristol Band returned to live performance at St George's Bristol in an eclectic programme featuring the world premiere of composer Laura Shipsey's ‘Of Far Flung Skies’. 

They opened under MD Craig Roberts with Alan Fernie's resonant ‘Prismatic Light’, the acoustic of the refurbished venue filled with sound.

Poignant

Ben Hollings’ ‘First Light’, highlighted the mellow tones of principal cornet Steve Ellis before the ensemble moved into jazz formation for Duke Ellington's ‘I'm Beginning to See the Light’ – also providing a neat segue into Peter Graham's ‘Shine as the Light’.

Bristol composer David Bedford's ‘Requiem’ was a poignant rendition of a tragic story, with angry repetitive lines against resonant chords and evocative percussion which sat in contrast to the brilliantly acted out, ever diminishing ‘Berne Patrol’ by Elgar Howarth. 

The second half was conducted by outgoing MD Ian Holmes, who is looking forward to continuing his 20-year association with the band in a new capacity. 

World premiere

The world premiere of ‘Of Far Flung Skies’ by Laura Shipsey has the result of a collaboration (part of the Adopt a Composer initiative run by Making Music) that had been delayed by Covid-19 restrictions.

This was her first piece for the medium and she shared her thoughts on the process and link to the band. The title, as well as haunting ending, with its repeated motifs was inspired by the lone gold star in the roof of St Georges, where a bomb fell during the Second World War.

The title, as well as haunting ending, with its repeated motifs was inspired by the lone gold star in the roof of St Georges, where a bomb fell during the Second World War.

Currently studying for a PhD at Cardiff University, she is a violin player and the intricate influences of her orchestral background shone through, giving a fresh and evocative approach. It also featured the City of Bristol Learners Band playing from the gallery; the soundscape awash with inventive effects and colours.

‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’ arranged by Alan Fernie brought joy to follow whilst contrast came with Handel Parker’s ‘Deep Harmony’ and the rousing sounds of ‘Highland Cathedral’ arranged by David Lancaster and featuring flugel soloist Zoe Brittlebank.  

The light atmosphere culminated with ‘The Floral Dance’ to round off a concert that demonstrated just how much potential there is for brass bands to successfully reach out to new opportunities and listeners.

Robert Hall

Support us for less than a cup of coffee...

4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant. We also want to be able to question, challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it, producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers.

So if like us you value a strong, independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure.

So one less cappuccino then?

Support us    



Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd