*
banner

Revival success for RNCM Festival

The showcase concert event in Manchester provided thrilling music making for those present — and it will soon be available to listeners across the world on the Wobplay.com platform too.

RNCM
  The festival was a success right from start to finish...

Live brass band music making in the UK was given a huge boost of collective confidence after a rejuvenated weekend of concerts at the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band Festival in Manchester.

Appropriately, the themes of the 2022 Festival were based on revivals and anniversaries of composers and repertoire.

Performances

Performances by the RNCM Brass Band, Tredegar and Black Dyke on Saturday were followed on the Sunday by Grimethorpe Colliery, WFEL Fairey and Brighouse & Rastrick.

Additional features were provided by the Junior RNCM Brass Band, a special Young Musicians' Showcase, the John Golland Award Final and discussions by Brass Bands England and Paul Hindmarsh in conversation with composers Edward Gregson and Philip Wilby.

Simply wonderful

Few present at the conclusion of Brighouse & Rastrick's thrilling concert on Sunday evening would have disagreed with RNCM Principal Linda Merrick's observation that it was "simply wonderful"to welcome both performers and audiences alike to enjoy live performances once more.

"It's the start of something almost new,"she said. "My thanks go to the bands and performers as well as you the audience for supporting us. It's been simply wonderful to have you all back with us."

Linda Merrick also took the opportunity to thank her own staff, who courteously welcomed and advised listeners as they arrived for the weekend of Covid-19 guidelines, as well as Artistic Director Paul Hindmarsh, whose curation of the festival once again mixed the old and new with classics and exciting opportunities with a touch of inspired alchemy.

Huge pleasure

Speaking to 4BR after the conclusion of the event he said: "I can't stop smiling. This has given me huge pleasure — and I also hope — the audiences too.

The performers were magnificent, and it was so heartening to be hear people speak about the boost it has given them personally to be able to come and listen to bands in concert."

Full reviews of each of the performances will appear on 4BR whilst subscribers to the Wobplay.com recording platform will also be able to enjoy each of the concerts in full4BR

Reviews and broadcasts

Full reviews of each of the performances will appear on 4BR whilst subscribers to the Wobplay.com recording platform will also be able to enjoy each of the concerts in full. Details will be released in the next few days.

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    


Phiip Wilby

Dobcross Wilby ready for Cheltenham

September 5 • A visit from Prof Philip Wilby to a recent Dobcross Silver Band rehearsal has given everyone a musical boost ahead of their National challenge.


Simon Johnson

Johnson takes principal lead at LSO

September 5 • Former Williams Fairey solo trombonist Simon Johnson has been appointed principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra.


Bon Accord Youth

Youthful future assured at Bon Accord

September 5 • Fantastic outreach work sees a new youth band set up by Bon Accord Silver Band.


Birmingham Citadel Band

Citadel welcome to the British Open

September 5 • The Birmingham Citadel Band will offer a warm musical welcome to the 171st British Open Championship on Saturday.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player 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.


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Rob Nesbitt

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd