*
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    


TR Direct

Insurance queries answered in Torquay

March 12 • T&R Direct Insurance Services will be in Torquay to answer questions, check policies and offer expert advice — so come along and say hello and you could win an iPad too...


West of England

Bond replaces Baker in Torquay box

March 12 • Due to illness Christopher Bond will replace Leigh Baker to adjudicate at the West of England Regional Championships.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: Around the Campfire (Philip Harper)

March 12 • A magnificent bit of Cory Brass in Concert magic to add to your concert programmes.


Preview

Tredegar to lead Welsh Regional test piece preview

March 12 • The defending Welsh champion Tredegar will be joined by Parc & Dare, Crosskeys and Mid Rhondda for a special Area test piece preview in Tonyrefail on Friday evening.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

March 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday(16th) at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Its all free including the coffee and cake.


Glossop Old Band

March 11 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Rushden Town Band

March 8 • 2nd Trombone for Midlands Area First Section Champions 2026.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd