*
banner

Interview with Philip Harper

We talk to the Cory Band MD, Philip Harper as he prepares his band to defend its title at Symphony Hall on the weekend.

Philip Harper
  Philip Harper has already claimed three Mortimer Maestro trophies...

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

With the British Open Championship returning after a two year break to Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Saturday, we catch up with some of the conductors who will be hoping to lead their bands to victory and in the process claim a Mortimer Maestro statuette for themselves to go with that iconic gold trophy.

No better place to start then than with Philip Harper, who already has three to his name — and will be looking to add a fourth with defending champion Cory.

Wobplay.com coverage

If you can't get to Symphony Hall yourself, then why not enjoy every performance of 'The World Rejoicing' by subscribing to www.wobplay.com

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    


RBC

Brass Band Day at RBC

February 13 • Spend Valentine's Day exploring your love of brass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire — alongside Thomas Fountain, Ian Porthouse, Eric Ball and Gordon Langford.


rncm

BBC Radio 3 to feature RNCM Festival highlights

February 13 • Performances from Black Dyke, Foden's and Cory are to be featured on BBC Radio 3.


Durham Miners

Fishburn offer musical solidarity for Big Meeting

February 13 • RMT Fishburn Band will support the fund raising efforts of the famous Durham Miners Gala.


Tredegar

Tredegar RNCM replay now on wobplay

February 13 • The Welsh champions RNCM International Brass Band Festival performance is now available to enjoy again.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


Gordon Eddison

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd