*
banner

Whitburn part of 5 star review at Edinburgh Festival

The Scottish Open champion joins artistic forces for critically acclaimed concert performance as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Whitburn
  The Scottish Open champion at the Albert Hall last year

Whitburn Band's participation at the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival has attracted a five-star review in one of Scotland's major newspapers.

The Scottish Open champion was joined by the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS), string group Quatuor Mona, and tenor singer Gwilym Bowen to perform Sir James MacMillan's stunning 'All the Hills and Vales'.

Packed

With the composer in attendance, and in front of a packed audience at the city's famous Greyfriars Kirk, they were conducted by Christopher Bell, Artistic Director of NYCOS. As well as 'All the Hills and Vales', NYCOS performed Macmillan's 'The Culham Motets'.

Susan Nickalls, reviewing for 'The Scotsman' newspaper, was one of many critics impressed by the music making.

In her five-star review, she wrote: "Not only a showcase for international talent, the festival is a reminder of the vast amount of home-grown talent on our door-step and this year's focus across the range of James MacMillan's superlative output for large forces has yielded exceptional treasure."

BBC Scotland's Arts Correspondent Pauline McLean, took to Twitter to add: "Extraordinary concert. So glad to have been there!"4BR

Extraordinary

Meanwhile, BBC Scotland's Arts Correspondent Pauline McLean, took to Twitter to add: "Extraordinary concert. So glad to have been there!"

'All the Hills and Vales Along' is MacMillan's poignant oratorio based on five poems by Charles Hamilton Sorley, who was killed at the Battle of Loos in the First World War in 1915.

Whitburn has now performed at the Edinburgh International Festival for two consecutive years, having played with Lau in 2018.

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


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.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd