*
banner

Interview with Andrew Kershaw of the Queen Victoria's Consort Ensemble

4BR talks to Andrew Kershaw about a wonderful initiative that has brought the sound of traditional brass ensemble music to people in care homes and nursing homes in a new and brilliantly inventive presentation.

Victoria
  The ensemble raised funds to make the concert performance and put it online.

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

4BR catches up with Andrew Kershaw, the founder of the Queen Victoria's Consort — a wonderful brass ensemble that performs of original brass instruments and period clothing.

Authentic

They have just completed producing a fantastic free online concert aimed at bringing the sound of 'Brass from the Past' — a musical journey back in time played on 19th century instruments that can be enjoyed by people who have been unable to access free live music during the past 12 months due to Covid-19.

There is a special emphasis on making sure people in care and nursing homes are able to enjoy the music as the concert can be accessed online.

There is a special emphasis on making sure people in care and nursing homes are able to enjoy the music as the concert can be accessed online4BR

Treat

It's a real treat — with the music played superbly by the performers and added to by a charismatic narrator or poetry and a great Scott Joplin dancer as well as some great little insights and explanations about the instruments themselves.

All you have to do is go to: https://www.queenvictoriasconsort.co.uk/ to enjoy it all, or straight to YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPTWuze-otQ

Share it around — especially to people who may not have the usual chance to enjoy some great period brass music making...

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    


Tommy Tynan

4BR Thursday interview with Tommy Tynan

January 15 • We catch up with Black Dyke Band's Tommy Tynan as he prepares to take up the baton as a finalist in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition this weekend in Tidworth.


RAF

RAF Ensembles continue to fly high and wide

January 15 • The variant ensembles that are part of the Band of the RAF Regiment continue to reach out in their musical performances.


Ingbjord

Duality of expansion and recognition for Vilhelmsen

January 15 • Norwegian composer gains recognition for the popularity and critical acclaim of her brass band works with publisher award nomination.


Skunkworks

A brass band camp with a difference...

January 15 • The latest Skunkworks Community Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive in Australia came with snake bites, heat stress gastroenteritis and bushfires, as well as plenty of great music making...


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


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.


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd