*
banner

Fontana set for busy year of performance and persuasion

The indefatigable Lito Fontana will be on his travels once more in 2019 — hoping to entertain his fans as well as expand grass roots brass banding in new areas of Europe.

Lito
  Lito Fontana is hoping to sow the seeds of brass band development to new parts of Europe.

The charismatic trombonist Lito Fontana has told 4BR that he hopes 2019 will certainly be a year to remember — both as a performer and as a focal point for brass band expansion in Europe.

The Argentinean has gained a world-wide reputation and fan base as a player — one that in 2019 will see him perform in Holland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France and England.

Driving force

However, he has also become an inspirational driving force behind the grass roots brass band movements in emerging European countries — with Spain and Portugal next on his list to hopefully bring permanently into the European Brass Band Association fold.

"It's going to be a busy year for sure,"he told 4BR. "In January I will be performing with the Spijkerpakkenband under their MD Erik Janssen, followed by a trip to the wonderful city of Bari in Italy to start a brass band at their famous conservatoire.

I'm also looking forward to a trip to the UK to be at the Young Brass Award before I go to Malaga in Spain to help them as they look forward to their appearance in the Challenge Section of the European Championships in Montruex."

Italy and Spain

He added: "The second part of the year is equally as busy with a visit to Germany and then to Portugal to hopefully inspire a new brass band at Aveiro University. It's then back to France to perform in Strasbourg before I will concentrate on the Italian Championships to ensure that is a success."

However, it is his passionate quest to help develop a sustainable brass band culture in southern Europe that is now driving him on — with Portugal next on his list to join Italy and Spain as part of the European brass band family.

These countries have fantastic players who all love brass bands and want to improve and be part of things. I will try my best to do that of courseLito Fontana

Portugal

"We still have work to do in Italy, but I am hopeful that the Championships in 2019 will be a great success. I am so happy that Spain will be represented for the first time in 2019 in Monteux and now I will work on doing the same for Portugal.

These countries have fantastic players who all love brass bands and want to improve and be part of things. I will try my best to do that of course."

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    


Bolton Crown Court

Brass band conductor sentenced for abuse of position of trust

July 2 • Sam Olsson is sentenced at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.


tIPS

BBE announces partnership with donations platform

July 2 • Brass Band England member bands can benefit from an easy way to gain cashless donations.


Mead in Japan

No fatigue for touring Mead

July 2 • Steven Mead has just return from tours of Japan and Australia with China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to come.


Wainstone Cup

Sextet after big money at Dr Martin contest

July 2 • Six bands will look to claim a large slice of prize money at the Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest this weekend in Yarm.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


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


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd