*
banner

Tokyo hosts innovative cross continent composer link

Four leading European composers link with Japanese colleagues for ground breaking project of new works.

Waespi
  Philip Sparke and Oliver Waespi with conductor Keitaro Hanaro

New works from four renowned European composers for the brass and wind band medium were recently featured alongside premieres of works by leading Japanese writers in a special event in Tokyo.

It was the culmination of a ground breaking project spearheaded by the Siena Wind Orchestra, one of the most renowned professional wind ensembles in Japan, and one that saw eight new works premiered at a special concert held at the Bunkyo City Hall as well as a recording on the critically acclaimed Avex Classical label.

Works

The works came from the pens of Jan van der Roost, Philip Sparke, Johan de Meij and Oliver Waespi alongside their counterparts Yosuke Fukuda, Nakahashi Yoshio, Daisuke Shimizu and Miho Hazama.

Oliver Waespi and Philip Sparke were able to make the trip to Japan for the occasion to work alongside Keitaro Harada (above), one of Japan's most influential orchestral and wind band conductors.

This was a most significant initiative and the concert in particular was an inspirational occasion and so professionally delivered from an outstanding orchestraOliver Waespi

Outstanding

Speaking to 4BR about the project, Oliver told 4BR: "This was a most significant initiative and the concert in particular was an inspirational occasion and so professionally delivered from an outstanding orchestra.

All in all it was a memorable musical trip to Japan which proved once again its outstanding profile in the field of wind music."

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.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd