*
banner

National youth prepare for concert finale

Two new world premieres and a brace of fantastic world class soloists will provide the entertainment at the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain virtual on-line course concert

National
  The 2020 course has been held on-line this year.

The National Youth (NYBB) and National Children's (NCBB) Brass Bands of Great Britain are to feature two brand new works for virtual brass band as part of their inaugural joint concert on Friday 7th August.

Premieres

Broadcast live as part of its successful 'National Youth at Home' initiative, the concert will include the premiere of Peter Graham's 'Strange New Worlds' and Bramwell Tovey's 'Madrigali', both specially written for a virtual performance.

Prof Nicholas Childs will lead the Nat Children's Band with Bramwell Tovey at the helm of the National Youth Band.

The Children's Band recorded 'Strange New Worlds' during its recent virtual course.
It's a five-movement work, which in the words of the composer can be interpreted in a number of ways — from the sci-fi world of H.G. Wells to the recent return of 1980s fashion and culture and even as an analogy of today's events through the Netflix series 'Stranger Things', to which the title pays homage.

Meanwhile, the NYBB will perform 'Madrigali', which in the words of the composer, "is a set of instrumental madrigals for each section of the band."

Featured soloists

The featured guest soloist with the Children's Band will be Brett Baker who will perform, 'La chica sin nombre' by Rob Wiffin, completed during lockdown by the former conductor of the RAF Central Band. He will also perform 'Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child' and the 'Autumn Dreams' by Leo Zimmerman.

David Childs will perform with the National Youth Band, featuring 'The Better World' by Norman Bearcroft, 'I'll Make Music' by Karl Jenkins, and 'Carnival of Venice'.

It's going to be a great event and I hope as many people as possible join us for the entertainmentAlun F Williams

Great event

Interim NYBBGB administrator, Alun Williams, told 4BR: "The concert will feature 140 of the UK's finest young brass and percussion soloists led by two brilliant conductors alongside a brace of world class soloists.

It's going to be a great event and I hope as many people as possible join us for the entertainment."

The virtual concert will begin at 7.00pm (GMT) on 7th August via the Band's YouTube and Facebook sites.

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    


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Championship schedule confirmed

January 9 • There will be two days of exciting Yorkshire banding battles in Huddersfield to enjoy.


Dai Thomas

Tredegar look to new business lead for 150th anniversary

January 9 • Welsh champions will take a new approach to their business outlook as their celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.


Next Step Films

Compilation album on offer from NXTOD

January 9 • There are plenty of highlights to enjoy from 2025 — and its all free from the NXTOD media platform.


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


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.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd