*
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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd