*
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    


NYBBGB

Last call for NYBBGB Conducting Competition

October 31 • The last bar is closing for the 2025 NYBBGB Conducting Competition — as 1st November looms for entries.


Desford Band

Rankings update: October

October 31 • Desford storm back into top ten as five-way battle for world number one goes down to the wire


Tivoli

Final countdown for Dutch National Championships

October 31 • 4BR will be heading to Utrecht to bring live comments on the Dutch National Championships.


siddis

Wobplay to broadcast SIDDIS entertainment

October 31 • Norwegian bands are putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of their entertainment challenges in Stavanger this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Croy Silver Band

November 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Epping Forest Band

November 1 • 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


Rainford Band

November 1 • NW Championship Section Rainford Band are inviting applications for a 2nd Euphonium player. We are a forward thinking and hard working band, with excellent links to M6 and M62. . We rehearse on Mon and Thurs 19.45 - 21.45 in Rainford


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd