*
banner

New Higgins work at Aldeburgh Festival

A new cantata by composer Gavin Higgins will be featured at the famous Aldeburgh Festival next month.

hIGGINS
  Gavin Higgins continues to make a major impact on the music world

Composer Gavin Higgins continues to make a major impression on the musical world.

On Friday 17th June, the National Orchestra of Wales under the baton of Martyn Brabbins will perform his new cantata, 'The Faerie Bride' featuring singers Marta Fontanals-Simmons and Roderick Williams at the high profile Aldeburgh Festival.

Lady of the Lake

The 40 minute work is a Britten Pears Arts commission which dramatises the Welsh myth 'Lady of the Lake' in which the faerie who emerges from the water to become a local man's bride is rejected by the local community but takes matters into her own hands.

It forms part of a concert that will also feature Grace Williams' 1944 work, 'Sea Sketches' and Benjamin Britten's 'A Suite of English Folk Tunes: A Time There Was'.

The 40 minute work is a Britten Pears Arts commission which dramatises the Welsh myth 'Lady of the Lake' 4BR

Proms

The Forest of Dean composer's CV includes a trio of Proms commission, including his latest which will see Tredegar Band team up with the National Orchestra of Wales for a Proms performance on August 8th.

His 2015 ballet score to 'Dark Arteries' with Rambert Ballet, and 2019 Covent Garden opera 'The Monstrous Child' gained widespread critical acclaim, whilst his Trombone Concerto, 'The Book of Miracles' claimed a prestigious Ivor Novello Award.

Recently 'As Spoke Albion' made a huge impression at the European Brass Band Championships in Birmingham.

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    


Review

4BR Review — Episode 11

November 23 • Catch up with the latest 4BR Review with 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and colleague Chris Thomas


Swiss Nationals

Swiss set to celebrate 50th contest anniversary

November 23 • The Swiss National Championships will reach a significant milestone this year in Lucerne with new works set to test the 60 competing bands.


sewbba

Results: 2025 SEWBBA Tonyrefail Festival

November 23 • There was a welcome return of contesting action in South Wales as bands took to the stage in Tonyrefail.


Perth

Result: 2025 Band Supplies Scottish Challenge

November 22 • Unite Scotland Kinneil claims victory in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Fulham Brass Band

November 23 • We're looking for two top-class cornet players and percussionists to complete our band!


Epping Forest Band

November 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


wantage silver band

November 23 • Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd