*
banner

4BR Monday Interview with Frank Mathison

The great brass musician Frank Mathison performs his final chord aged 93 as he retires from playing...

Mathison
  Frank Mathison has enjoyed a remarkable musical career.

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

4BR Editor Iwan Fox chats to 93 year old Frank Mathison, who has decided to retire from playing after enjoying a truly remarkable musical career.

He talks about how he started playing somewhat by accident — and on cornet — before he got fed up in the army and decided to change instrument. Given the choice of a bassoon or an old G Trombone — he chose the latter.

And with that he went on to enjoy performing with the City of Birmingham and the London Symphony Orchestra — the latter for 30 years under some of the greatest orchestral conductors of the century — including Georg Solti.

He looks back on his career as well as the future, which he hopes will include coming to listen to the bands at the Yorkshire Regional Championships in 2022.

Image: Lorne Campbell

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    


Wilby

Wilby premiere in County Down

June 20 • Philip Wilby's 'Spring Requiem' will receive its world premiere performed by the Ulster Consort & Players.


Cooperation

Invisible presence for cooperation band in Orkney

June 20 • the cooperation band will perform Gabrieli's 'Invisible Symphony' as well as their Brass in Concert winning 'La Premier' as part of the St Magnus International Festival in Orkney.


Elland

Elland set for showcase six-pack spectacular

June 20 • Six ensembles from the Yorkshire band will take to the stage at Huddersfield Town Hall next month in a fantastic show of community led music making.


Band Supplies

Muted quartet set to help holiday treats

June 20 • Get a quartet of Champion cornet mutes from Band Supplies are you will save a few bob on those new sunglasses your always wanted for your hols...


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Saturday 20 June • The Community Church, Werter Road, Putney. SW15 2LL


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd