*
banner

Maurice Murphy tribute on Besson Fridays at Home

A very special episode this week with a tribute to the great former London Symphony Orchestra and Black Dyke Band player — complete with some fantastic special guests.

mUPRHY
  The great Maurice Murphy is the subject of the tribute broadcast — with some very special guests

The 'Besson Fridays at Home' team have announced that for their first broadcast of 2021 they have lined up a very special feature.

The studio guest of Steve, Philip and Roger is Richard Evans who be joined by five other international contributors paying tribute to the late great Maurice Murphy MBE, who died in 2010.

The iconic London Symphony Orchestra principal trumpet developed his incredible talent in the brass band movement — most memorably as principal cornet of Black Dyke Mills Band from 1957 to 1962.

Special guests

Making this a programme not to be missed, there are special video contributions from the legendary composer Hollywood composer John Williams, who tells of the affection and respect he had for him — especially as Maurice's first day in the job was recording the theme tune to a certain film called 'Star Wars'!

John Williams once said that he was "a heraldic spirit", whose playing articulated "the ideal voice of a hero". All future scores had Murphy's trumpet sound in mind.

Murphy himself was self effacing: "I'm just another trumpet player who's been very lucky."

Tributes

There are also contributions from Thomas Gansch from Mnozil Brass who recalls his extraordinary generosity, and Jens Lindemann. He recalls how he could stop any chatter in an American bar when he would simply introduce Maurice as the man who played the 'Star Wars' theme.

In addition there are tributes from two world class performers who played with him — Ian Bousfield who for many years was in the incredible brass section of the London Symphony Orchestra, and Philip Cobb, who eventually took over his mantle.

Privilege

Steven Mead told 4BR: "There is also a chance to hear a wonderful interview with the late Rod Franks, another Black Dyke player who graduated to the LSO, and who organised his final retirement party.

We are privileged to hear some cherished stories from that party as well as from the greatly missed virtuoso himself."

Besson Fridays at Home, Friday 29th January 6 pm life and you can watch it later of course.

Enjoy:


Go to: All this and more in this week's superb Episode 13 of Besson Fridays at Home
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/
https://www.facebook.com/4barsrest

John Williams once said that he was "a heraldic spirit", whose playing articulated "the ideal voice of a hero". All future scores had Murphy's trumpet sound in mind4BR

Previous Episodes:


Episode 12:
Keith Hutchinson and Tom Smith
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/696285934615157

Episode 11:
Phil Cobb and Stephen Cobb
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/173773204414220

Episode 10:
Chris Bradley and Mike Cavanagh
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/378376613490663

Episode 9:
Helen Harrelson and Misa Mead
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/403404634387318

Episode 8:
Thomas Ruedi and Harmen Vanhoorne
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/403021190697675

Episode 7:
Davur Juul Magnussen and John Barber
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/4511865358886917

Episode 6:
Derick Kane and Stephen Kane
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/2697574597127493

Episode 5:
Ian Porthouse and Dewi Griffths
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/755381705256477

Episode 4:
James Gourlay and Les Neish
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/2864126147164239

Episode 3:
Owen Farr and Ailsa Russell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2c-SLs3ujY&fbclid=IwAR1xdfk1dO_Z9xTV8-jnJXP6GP6cyxMxw_Th-W8QTrLM61VdpMxWV0Hwvi8

Episode 2:
Tom Hutchinson, Sheona White and Mark Wilkinson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yWqt_Az90I&fbclid=IwAR1EdTIm14XeEGTF6l1Wph3Rw0seCwAyRiY0IP8K95Orq5L5HsJbcJf6e8k

Episode 1:
Philip Harper, Steven Mead, Roger Webster and Tom Hutchinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0VYGFu6rpE&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1VKnZzVAQ3mPmG7HWKVFim8yAQgcTJNvRvzI8heK1D8S29pVNeyv5A-5w

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    


NYBBGB

Tynan becomes NYBBGB Young Conductor winner

January 17 • The Black Dyke Band solo Eb tuba player shines his light to claim the title honours with the baton in Tidworth.


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd