*
banner

Superbrass takes up residency in Cardiff

A weekend of fantastic brass and Superbrass music making with the likes of Mike Lovatt can be enjoyed at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff — starting tonight.

Mike Lovatt
  Mike Lovatt heads the guest list at the special Superbrass residency weekend at the RWCMD

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff is to be the host venue for a weekend of 'Superbrass' playing.

Starting on Friday evening (8th November at 5.30pm) it will see a fabulous mix of student events, foyer performances and concert appearances that cover every genre from cool jazz to classical, traditional to contemporary brass with a host of brilliant performers.

The Friday evening concert will see the RWCMD Brass Band joined by the great Mike Lovatt for what promises to be a cracking night of entertainment.

Specials guest performers on the weekend will include Mike Lovatt, Gordon Campbell, James Fountain, Phil Cobb, Owen Farr, David Childs, Dan Trodden, Philippe Schartz, Dean Wright, Donal Bannister, Gareth Roberts, Darren Smith, Neil Shewan, Ben Thompson and many more...

There really is something for everyone with Saturday taken up with the 'Welsh Brass Massive' where you can come along and take part in series of masterclasses — and all for free!

Superbrass

The climax of the event will be a special concert on Sunday afternoon (10th November at 2.00pm) that will see the incredible Superbrass ensemble give a concert before the weekend is rounded off with the fun and games of the RWCMD Tuba Ensemble hosting a great 'Beer, Brass & Bratwurst after party.

There really is something for everyone with Saturday taken up with the 'Welsh Brass Massive' where you can come along and take part in series of masterclasses — and all for free!4BR

Features:

Friday 8th November (5.30pm)


AmserJazzTime- Brass Special (featuring Gordon Campbell and his Jazz 'Bones plus a host of RWCMD Jazz musicians)
Tickets: Free

Friday 8th November (7.30pm)


Walking With Heroes
Royal Welsh College Brass Band
Conductors: Dr Robert Childs & Paul Fisher
Guest Soloist: Mike Lovatt
Venue: Dora Stoutzker Hall
Tickets: £14, £12 concessions (Under 25s £7)
Event link: https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats_on/events/walking_with_heroes.aspx

Saturday 9th November (10.00am — 4.00pm)


The Welsh Brass Massive:
A full day of free workshops open to players of all ages — especially brilliant for youngsters.

The workshops will include a short lunchtime recital by one of our top college brass quintets and finish with a 'BIG BANG' at 4.00pm.

Tickets: Free
Registration will be required through the following: https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats_on/events/brass_workshops.aspx

Sunday 10th November (11.00am -1.00pm)

Tuba Masterclass with the London Symphony Orchestra's Ben Thompson.

Tickets: Free
Venue: Corus Room

Sunday 10th November (2.00pm)


Superbrass in Concert :

A rare chance to hear this supergroup ensemble of some of the finest brass and percussion players on the professional music scene
Venue: Dora Stoutzker Hall
Tickets: £15, £13 concessions (Under 25s £7.50)
Event link: https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats_on/events/superbrass.aspx

Sunday 10th November (3.30pm)


Beer, Brass and Bratwurst

Join the RWCMD Tuba Ensemble directed by Sean O'Neil for a rousing after-party, bringing this super brass weekend to a fitting close!
Venue: Carne foyer
Tickets: Free
Event link: https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats_on/events/beer_brass__bratwurst.aspx

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    


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Philip Jones

Philip Jones celebration in London

January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd