*
banner

4BR Tuesday Interview with Gavin Higgins

4BR catches up with composer Gavin Higgins to talk about his music past, present and future...

Gavin Higgins
 

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks to composer Gavin Higgins about his ground breaking brass band ballet score 'Dark Arteries'.

It was first premiered at Sadler's Wells with the Rambert Ballet Company six years ago, performed by Tredegar Band under the baton of Ian Porthouse, and which this year the 'Dark Arteries Suite' which came from the work will be be analysed by a new generation of National Youth Band of Great Britain players.

Gavin talks about the work, the impact it made and how delighted that his particular musical language, which is based on the dark brooding melodic heritage of brass music is being enjoyed by young players.

He also gives a first indication of his next major project for the brass band medium — one allied to a symphony orchestra and how he continues to champion brass band music at the the highest levels where he believes it belongs.

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    


4BR review

4BR Review — Episode 15

February 1 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look back at a memorable RNCM International Brass Band Festival, as well as look forward to the Norwegian Championships and more...


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe to support a Day to Remember

February 1 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band will add their musical sparkle to a concert that aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society


UniBrass Championships

UniBrass Championships countdown now on

February 1 • There are now just a couple of weeks to go before the student banding world heads to Newport — so why not go along and enjoy the action.


North of England

Judges confirmed for North of England Regional Championships

February 1 • The adjudication teams for the North of England Regional Championships have been announced.


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


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


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


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd