*
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    


Score

Red Admiral announces launch of Access to Adjudication initiative

January 22 • A new approach to brass band adjudication training is being offered through the Red Admiral Music Academy


Band Supplies

Band Supplies has Area ready instruments to go....

January 22 • If its the perfect instrument you are looking for to boost your Area chances, then Band Supplies may well have the perfect Besson choice for you...


NAMM

John Packer leads UK brands at NAMM

January 22 • The John Packer stable of instruments is making its mark on the American market place at the huge NAMM Trade festival in California.


Philip Sparke

Music of the Spheres chosen as British Open set work

January 22 • Philip Sparke's iconic test-piece will be the challenge for the bands to meet at the 2026 British Open Championship.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has a horn seat vacancy.. Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd