*
banner

National Youth Band ready for celebration

World premieres, inspirational conductors and brilliant soloists will get together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National Youth Band of Great Britain over the next two weeks.

Nardus Williams
  Two brilliant soloist in Nardus Williams and Karianne Flatene Nilssen will be featured.

The National Youth Bands of Great Britain is preparing to welcome talented young players to their Summer Courses — all topped off with a series of fantastic concert performances.

National Children's Band of Great Britain

The National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain will head to Taunton School from the 24th to 29th July under the baton of Russell Gray — with a theme of celebration from around the musical world.

The course will see the players get to grips with Lucy Pankhurst's 'En Route' — a new commission that takes inspiration from a journey to Symphony Hall in Birmingham, as well as a testing list of repertoire — from Rimsky Korsakov and Piazzolla to Percy Grainger and Jan Magna Forde.

Guest soloist for the course is trombone virtuoso Karianne Flatene Nilssen — a wonderful performer from Stavanger, with the end of course concert taking place at Wells Cathedral on Friday 29th July at 2.00pm

Tickets:
https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/event/childrens-band-summer-concert

National Youth Brass Band

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will also be held at Taunton School from 30th July to 6th August under the direction of Martyn Brabbins, Music Director of English National Opera.

The theme is also one of celebration — although this encompasses not only the 70th anniversary of the organisation, but that of nature and places — from John Ireland's Londoncentric 'Comedy Overture' to Dr Denis Wright's 'Tintagel', as well as the evocative brace of Eric Ball's 'Resurgam' and John Pickard's 'Men of Stone'.

The culmination of the course will see the band head to London where they will perform the works at the Royal College of Music on Saturday 6th August (7.00pm) alongside the celebrated soprano singer Nardus Williams, who will be featured in the wonderful 'Songs of the Auvergne'.

Also featured will be the world premiere of Peter Graham's 'Hyperlink', which will be used as the set-work for the Championship Section of the National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

Tickets:


https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/event/youth-band-70th-anniversary-celebration-concert

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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd