*
banner

4BR Awards: 2020 Conductor of the Year

The winner is...

ConUCTOR
  Philip Harper has now won the award for a fifth time...

2020 Winner: Philip Harper

A clear winner in the 'Conductor of the Year' category — and one that is fast becoming the hegemony of Philip of Cory Band. This is his fifth win in eight years.

Only Covid-19 perhaps stopped him adding even more success to his already weighty contesting CV, but it was his ability to turn his hand to other skills away from the conducting rostrum this year that also maintained his musical profile.

He has been the driving force behind Cory's impressive on-line presence since the lockdown banding period began — from the first of the social media performances to their online championships with more to come

He has also managed to fit in Brass Band England seminars, masterclasses and online guest appearances with bands all over the world. All this and he has presented the popular Besson Fridays at Home series too!

Thoroughly deserved, he gained six first choice preferences from the panel, plus four podium nominations.

Podium finishers

In second place was Ian Porthouse of Tredegar, who enjoyed remarkable success at the Areas this year as well as spearheading their high profile social media presence. He has been central to providing ongoing tuition needs of students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and being a popular online guest with bands around the globe. He gained two first choice preferences and three podium nominations.

Third place went to Prof Nicholas Childs at Black Dyke with two first choice preferences from the panel and one other podium nomination after a year in which his band regained the Yorkshire Regional title and enjoyed huge profile success with the release of their John Rutter CD.

There were also first preference nominations for Paul Fisher, Alan Withington and David Bremner.

Only Covid-19 perhaps stopped him adding even more success to his already weighty contesting CV, but it was his ability to turn his hand to other skills away from the conducting rostrum this year that also maintained his musical profile4BR

Panel:


The Awards Panel consisted of: Iwan Fox (Editor 4BR); Malcolm Wood (4BR Chief Contributor); Andrew Wainwright (Composer/Arranger/Graphic Designer); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Chris Thomas (Chief Contributor Brass Band World magazine/4BR contributor); Frode Rydland (EBBA Music Commission/ Bjorsvik Brass); David Hirst (Conductor/Adjudicator); Alexander Zwann (Chief contributor CU Brass); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Owen Melhuish (President: North Shore Brass New Zealand); Chris Wormald (Conductor/Adjudicator/Arranger); Steve Jack (photographer/4BR, BBW contributor); Stein Skopholm (Broadcaster/presenter)

Past Winners:


2019: Philip Harper
2018: Arsene Duc
2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Philip Harper
2015: Philip Harper
2014: Nicholas Childs
2013: Philip Harper
2012: Allan Withington
2011: David King
2010: Ian Porthouse
2009: Robert Childs
2008: Robert Childs
2007: Allan Withington
2006: Allan Withington
2005: Nicholas Childs
2004: Ray Farr
2003: David King
2002: Russell Gray
2001: David King

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    


Phiip Wilby

Dobcross Wilby ready for Cheltenham

September 5 • A visit from Prof Philip Wilby to a recent Dobcross Silver Band rehearsal has given everyone a musical boost ahead of their National challenge.


Simon Johnson

Johnson takes principal lead at LSO

September 5 • Former Williams Fairey solo trombonist Simon Johnson has been appointed principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra.


Bon Accord Youth

Youthful future assured at Bon Accord

September 5 • Fantastic outreach work sees a new youth band set up by Bon Accord Silver Band.


Birmingham Citadel Band

Citadel welcome to the British Open

September 5 • The Birmingham Citadel Band will offer a warm musical welcome to the 171st British Open Championship on Saturday.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd