*
banner

4BR Wednesday Interview with Allan Withington

We catch up with Allan Withington to find out more about his inventive search for the perfect 'Il Maestro'...

Withington
  Allan Withington has been searches for the traits that make the perfect conductor...

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

For our Wednesday interview on 4BR we are joined by Allan Withington in Norway.

It follows the recent world premiere performance of his inventive artistic project 'Il Maestro' — which saw him link poetry and dance to ensemble brass to try and create the perfect conductor.

'Il Maestro' explores what characteristic traits create the perfect conductor — from introvert to extrovert, timidity to aggression, austere coolness to red hot passion.

It also explores questions of power, charisma, talent and communication, as well as helping to debunk some of the preconceived ideas and myths that surround the making of a conducting 'Maestro'.

Allan talks about the project, how it came together, the performance and what he wants to develop further from it.

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    


Remembering Trevor Austin

June 24 • One of the most respected figures in the brass band business world passed away a year ago — with his memory still fondly remembered.


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe add quartet strength to ranks

June 24 • Four new players have joined Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Frecjleton

Freckleton partnership comes to an end

June 24 • John Atkinson has taken his final bow with the Freckleton Band.


Alan Hobbins

Hobbins to lead Eccles Borough

June 24 • The experienced Alan Hobbins is the new Musical Director at Eccles Borough Band.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd