*
banner

Whitburn take Hills and Vales to Edinburgh stage

The Scottish Open champion will make a second appearance at the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival.

Whitburn
  The band will be making its second appearance at the prestigious event.

Whitburn Band is looking forward to performing at the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival for the second consecutive year.

The Scottish Open champion will perform Sir James MacMillan's poignant oratorio 'All the Hills and Vales Along' with the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) and conductor Christopher Bell. The work was written to commemorate those who died in the First World War.

Sold out

The sold out concert will be held on Friday, August 16th at Greyfriars Kirk, and is part of a five-concert series at the International Festival that will celebrate the 60th birthday of the renowned composer.

Other ensembles performing his works include the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, The Sixteen and the Nash Ensemble, whilst the festival will also feature the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the London Symphony Orchestra led by Sir Simon Rattle.

This event allows the band the opportunity to reconnect with the music of Sir James MacMillan and with Christopher Bell — the musical director for the event. The event promises to be very specialWhitburn Band

Reconnect

It is the second year in a row that Whitburn will perform at the most prestigious arts festival in the world. Last year they played as part of Lau Land at the Leith Theatre to a capacity audience, with Band Chairman Charlie Farren telling 4BR; "The band is delighted to be invited to perform once again at the Festival.

This event allows the band the opportunity to reconnect with the music of Sir James MacMillan and with Christopher Bell — the musical director for the event. The event promises to be very special and we are excited to be associated with what will be great musical spectacle."

Image: David Wilkinson

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    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require an Eb bass player. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall in Rugby, the band has a growing schedule of concerts and contests as well as social events.


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 14 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd