*
banner

Interview with Martyn Brabbins

4BR catches up with the Music Director of English National Opera as he prepares to lead the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on their 70th anniversary concert in London this weekend.

Martyn Brabbins
  Martyn Brabbins has been leading the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on their summer course

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

The National Youth Band of Great Britain will head to London on Saturday evening (6th August — 7.00pm) for its 70th anniversary celebration concert.

4BR Editor is joined by Martyn Brabbins — Music Director of English National Opera to talk about his link with the band this year.

Martyn has been putting the 72 youngsters through a programme of wide ranging repertoire — from Eric Ball and John Ireland to some of his own works and Peter Graham's eagerly awaited 'Hyperlink'.

He talks about his own brass band background, the music to be performed, the importance of linking up with different musicians and composers — and just how impressed he has been with the talented young performers under his baton.

Concert:


70th anniversary concert:
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    


Hepworth

Result: 2026 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Hepworth carries on its dominance of the lucrative march and hymn tune circuit with victory at the Brighouse event under MD Ryan Watkins.


Milnrow

Result: 2026 Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Milnrow adds another march and hymn tune title as they build confidence and bank balances ahead of autumn majors.


hIGGINBOTTOM

Death of Gordon Higginbottom

July 6 • The death has been announced of the celebrated tenor horn soloist, tutor, clinician, conductor and adjudicator, Gordon Higginbottom.


NYBBGB

Ticket sales boost for National Youth Bands

July 5 • Tickets for the end of course performances of both the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are bring snapped up quickly.


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


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd