*
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    


NYBBGB

Principal roles in place on National Youth Band course

July 27 • The principal players on the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Children's Band course have been decided.


Brass in Concert

Seats in demand for Brass in Concert

July 27 • November in Gateshead may be a while away, but tickets for Brass in Concert are already being snapped up very quickly.


nybbs

Scottish principals to the fore in Strathallan

July 27 • The young players on the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland course are making their musical mark.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: I Want You Back (Philip Harper)

July 27 • Bring the sound of Motown to your next concert.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Welwyn Garden City Band

July 27 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We currently have vacancies for EEb and BBb BASS players and a 2nd EUPHONIUM player. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Tintwistle Band

July 25 • are looking for a new MD to lead our friendly and committed band as we continue to build on our proud traditions and look towards an exciting future.If you enjoy helping musicians of all ages and abilities reach their potential,we’d love to hear from you!


Ashington Colliery Band

July 24 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd