*
banner

PLC takes Co-operative premiere

Scottish Funeralcare team up with Paul Lovatt-Cooper for world premiere.

Coperative
 

The current Scottish Open Champions Co-operative Funeralcare Band traveled to Perth last weekend to perform in a concert conducted by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, and which featured a world premiere of one of his latest works.

In demand

Since retiring from playing with Black Dyke, Paul has been in demand as a conductor with a number of engagements in the UK and Europe.

In addition to his work with Co-operative Funeralcare, he will also be traveling to Switzerland and Denmark over the coming months to conduct a series of masterclasses with various brass ensembles.

Latest premiere

The latest premiere was came courtesy of Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club who hosted a charity concert in aid of Swaziland Children’s Food Aid Programme.

Present

The concert was directed and compered by Paul and featured a quartet of his works — including the premiere of 'Island Whirl' which is based on the Scottish folk song 'An Eriskay Love Lilt'.

Stunning

Paul told 4BR that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of conducting a top class band: "They are quite a stunning ensemble. The band is very professional and performed to an extremely high standard both in their rehearsals and on the concert stage. It was a real privilege to conduct them."

Margaret Milligan commissioned ‘Island Whirl’ as a 70th birthday present for her husband Ian, who is the MD of Callander Brass, based in Callander, near Stirling.

The band is very professional and performed to an extremely high standard both in their rehearsals and on the concert stage. It was a real privilege to conduct themPLC

Favourite

Margaret wanted to give Ian something different to celebrate the milestone, and contacted Paul about the possibility of composing a special piece.

Paul, who has worked with Ian in the past, immediately accepted and set about composing a piece that took its influence from one of their favourite folk tunes 'An Eriskay Love Lilt'.

And with the perfect time and place and band to premiere the new work, the opportunity proved too good to miss. Both were thrilled by the music and the occasion, which raised over £2000 for the Food Aid Programme.

Spectacular

Commenting on the concert, President of the Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club Colin Moreland told 4BR: "The evening was spectacular! We had Scotland's finest brass band conducted by one of the UK's most sought after musicians and with a world premier to boot!

It was a night to remember and the money raised will go to a great charitable cause."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


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


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd