*
banner

Interview with Philip Harper

We catch up with the Cory MD as he prepares to take the reins at the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, as well as heading on his own travels to Sweden and with Cory to South Korea.

Harper
  Philip Harper will be leading the National Youth Band of Wales in three concerts

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

4BR is joined by Philip Harper — conductor the Cory Band, but also the Musical Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Under his baton 50 or so players will enjoy their annual summer course at Trinity St David in Carmarthen from the 29th July.

It culminates in a series of three concerts in North, West and South East Wales — featuring some thought provoking repertoire, including the long awaited world premiere of Ian Stephens' 'Colston Falls'.

Written in 2020 and delayed by Covid-19, it is inspired by the symbolic action of the pulling down and dumping of the statue of the slave trader and merchant Edward Colston into the waters of Bristol Harbour.

Not only that, he's also on his travels to Sweden and to South Korea where he leads Cory on a fantastic tour.

National Youth Band of Wales concerts:

Pontio Theatre
Bangor
Thursday 4th August
7.30pm

Fishguard International Music Festival
St David's Cathedral
Friday 5th August
7.30pm

Llandaff Cathedral
Saturday 6th August
7.30pm

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    


RWCMD

Royal Welsh College defends claims that culture hasn't changed

October 18 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has refuted claims that its culture hasn't changed three years after it was found negligent in a case of alleged sexual assault.


McDonnell

McDonnell highlights risks of losing BBE gold standard BOPA

October 17 • Labour MP John McDonnell has written of the need for the Department of Education to reconsider its decision to end Brass Bands England BOPA provision in April next year.


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet 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.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass 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.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb Bass 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.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd