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Take 5: The Best Concert Performances of the Year

4BR picks the five concert performances of 2016 that lived longest in the memory banks.

Take Five
  We reveal our 5 Best Concert Performances of 2016

Plenty of bands and soloists gave concerts and recitals at various events and venues during 2016, but these where the five (in date order) that stood out for us — and not just for the brilliance of the playing.

Best 5:

Peter Moore
RNCM Brass and Festival
Manchester
Sunday 31st January

A simply awe inspiring display of musicality encapsulating works by Beethoven, Stojowski, Mahler, Deparc, Dobson and Pryor.

A remarkable musician: The first four notes of Mahler's 'Urlicht' from 'Das Knaben Wunderhorn' were as close to perfection as you could ever wish to hear.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con1084.asp


European Youth Band
European Youth Championship
Lille
Sunday 1st May

An absolute jam-packed dollop of fun inspired by Dutch conductor Erik Janssen and a multi-lingual set of players who were a credit to themselves, their bands and their nation's of origin.

A disappointing contest day (the organisers meanly charged the players to come in and listen) was forgotten as they delivered a stomping set that culminated in the entire audience (let in for free for the results) on their feet doing a European version of the conga around the hall to the sounds of Thrift Shop's rather fruity pop song.


Foden's Band
Regent Hall, London
Friday 7th October

Foden's inspired by Bramwell Tovey. A combination that has produced some of the most memorable concerts of recent years delivered another absolute bobby dazzler at Regent Hall — and all less than 24 hours before they took to the stage at the Albert Hall at the Nationals.

Perhaps they had a point to prove to both themselves and their critics — and by heck didn't they do just that and more.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con2012.asp


Super Slow Way: A Rhapsody to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
King Georges Hall, Blackburn
Sunday 16th October

A reminder of just how important, as well inspiring, investment in an ambitious community based musical project can be — especially with a brass band right at the heart of it.

At times simple and reflective, at others colourful and exotic. Like its inspiration, it was deliberately slow and meandering, with the focus always headed in the same direction. A triumph for everyone involved.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con2015.asp


Big Fat Brass
Royal College of Music Brass Ensemble
Featuring: Mike Lovatt and Matthias Hofs
Royal College of Music
Wednesday 19th October

Stunning: Simply, bloody well stunning. Two performers touched by genius, backed by a splendid ensemble.

This was about style — oh my word it was. Those lucky enough to be there went home with smiles on their faces like Cheshire Cats. The 4BR Editor's didn't wear off until he reached Newport train station back in Wales.

http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con2017.asp

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Llangollen

International Eisteddfod victory for Welsh Youth

July 14 • Gwasanaeth Cerdd Gwynedd & Mon Senior Brass Band claims honours in the Community Band category at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.


Swiss National Youth

Live broadcast 50th celebrations for Swiss Youth Band

July 13 • You can enjoy the special anniversary concert of the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland and friends today.


LEEDS bEST OF bRASS

Leeds Best of Brass series launched

July 13 • Eight top level bands will be featured at Pudsey Civic Hall as part of the new season of 'Best of Brass' concerts.


Sir Karl Jenkins

Aldbourne to lead Armed Man celebrations

July 13 • The West of England Regional Champion will help lead the 25th anniversary celebrations of Sir Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' in two major concerts appearances this year with the composer.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band

July 13 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a SECOND HORN. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Dave Collins

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


               

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