*
banner

Cobb set for Tomlinson Concerto at Birmingham Brass Fest

Philip Cobb will be performing the iconic Ernest Tomlinson 'Cornet Concerto' in the heart of Birmingham this weekend.

Phil Cobb
  Philip Cobb will perform the iconic Ernest Tomlinson Cornet Concerto

A showcase performance of the awesome Ernest Tomlinson 'Cornet Concerto' by Philip Cobb will be the centrepiece of this Sunday's (19th January — 7.00pm) Royal Birmingham Conservatoire 'Brass Fest' event.

World class artists

The LSO Principal Trumpet player will be one of a number of world class artists featured throughout Sunday and Monday (20th), with Philip joined by the likes of Sarah Willis of the Berlin Philharmonic as well as fellow LSO brass section principal, Peter Moore on trombone.

Also on show will be Onyx Brass, Connaught Brass, Tim Jackson, Alan Thomas, Graham Sibley, plus the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band who will accompany Philip in his performance of a work that was first performed by the legendary Maurice Murphy at the Royal Albert Hall in 1974.

And plenty Moore

The Sunday evening concert will see Philip joined by Peter Moore who will showcase another iconic work — Gordon Langford's 'Rhapsody for Trombone', whilst the band under the direction of Ian Porthouse will open with 'Intrada: Ein' Feste Burg' with two of the Conservatoire's most promising students sharing the performance of Peter Graham's 'Baritone Concerto'.

Ian told 4BR that Philip's visit for a rehearsal on the piece has already created a huge buzz amongst his students. "It's not often you see jaws fall to the floor, but this was one of them,"he said.

Great opportunity

"What a player. I know the Tomlinson piece very well from my days as player, but Philip handles it so easily and with such panache.

This is a great opportunity for brass band players to come hear one of the world's great brass musicians perform — and you get Peter Moore on brilliant form as well for the price of ticket! If you are anywhere near Birmingham, book a ticket and come along — it is sure to be a memorable night."

In addition to the concert, a 1 day pass ticket will also enable listeners to enjoy a 'Side by Side' masterclass directed by Ian Porthouse and featuring Peter Moore; a Q&A session with Sarah Willis, a lunchtime recital by Connaught Brass, a choice of afternoon masterclasses with Philip, Sarah, Peter, Alan Thomas and Graham Sibley and a massed blow event.

This is a great opportunity for brass band players to come hear one of the world's great brass musicians perform — and you get Peter Moore on brilliant form as well for the price of ticket! Ian Porthouse

Tickets

More information: www.bcu.ac.uk/brassfest20

Festival pass
Festival Pass £25 (two days)
1 Day Pass £15
Under 18s free with a paying adult

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR
Box Office 0121 331 5909 or www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd