*
banner

Besson Fridays at Home — Philip Harper and Cory special edition

The last in the present series tonight sees a special broadcast from the home of Cory Band with their MD Philip Harper to find out just how he makes the world's number 1 band tick.

Besson
  The special edition is all about Cory and Philip Harper this week

There is a special 25th edition of Besson 'Fridays at Home' tonight (6.00pm) as the team go on the road for a programme all about the world's number 1 ranked band Cory and their inspirational MD, Philip Harper.

Regular presenters Steven Mead and Roger Webster are joined by 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and guests to find out more about the legendary band and the conductor who makes them tick.

Stars Wars to Ton Pentre

There is an extended interview with Philip to find out more about his musical journey from a darkened cinema in Essex in 1977 hearing the first notes of the Star Wars film hitting his eardrums courtesy of a certain Maurice Murphy, to Bristol and eventually (via Japan) to his musical home in Ton Pentre in the Rhondda Valleys — and Cory.

It's a fascinating story — from horn player to conductor, via teaching and tenures at the likes of Thornbury, Flowers and Tongwynlais — great highs and even the occasional low.

All this and Roger and Steve pose a few questions of their own as well as from fans across the banding world, and there is the chance to hear the band in action from the European, British Open and Brass in Concert Championships.

One not to miss...

Enjoy:

Go to: All this and more in this week's Episode 25 of Besson Fridays at Home

https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/

https://www.facebook.com/4barsrest

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    


wobplay

New ownership announced for World of Brass, Wobplay and World of Sound

July 1 • The trio of leading brass band music brands have been bought as an independent business by Adam Goldsmith and Nicki Tonge.


Spring Festival

Venues and dates for 2027 & 2028 Spring Festival announced

July 1 • Town Hall Birmingham and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will host the 2027 and 2028 British Open Spring Festival contests as long term plans are put in place following feedback.


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd