*
banner

Cowen to take Cory Open trom role

Simon Cowen, principal trombone of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will join Cory for their British Open assault.

Simon Cowen
 

National champion Cory has announced that Simon Cowen (above), principal trombone of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and a past solo trombone of YBS, Black Dyke and Fairey, will join the Welsh band for their British Open assault in September.

Exciting prospect

Currently the Musical Director of Besses o' th' Barn, he will team up with the world's number 1 ranked band immediately after the RLPO's Prom concert in London on 25th August.

He told 4BR: "It's a very exciting prospect to be performing at the British Open once again, especially after so many years. I've always been an avid fan of Cory and it will be a pleasure working under Philip Harper.

The last time I played at the British Open on solo trombone was back in 1999 with YBS and many years have passed with me performing predominantly in orchestras, so it will be a great thrill to put my banding shoes on one more time, especially with a band as magnificent as Cory."

Thomas return

Meanwhile, for National Championships in October, outgoing principal Chris Thomas has made himself available to assist defending champion's cause, although a long-term permanent appointment will be made after the contests. In the meantime, current 2nd trombone Gareth Robinson will act as deputy principal.

We are all looking forward to welcoming Simon for a brief period. I first came across him in 1991 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the finest trombone players in the UKPhilip Harper

Fortunate

Musical Director Philip Harper told 4BR: "We're in a fortunate position to have such a super player and bandsman as Gareth within our ranks, and he will have no trouble at all in leading the section on many occasions ahead."

He added: "We are all looking forward to welcoming Simon for a brief period. I first came across him when we were both in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 1991 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the finest trombone players in the UK.

We are also thrilled that Chris has agreed to help us defend our title in London and I look forward to yet another fantastic contest together!"

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


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


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd