*
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    


Bandamonium

Countdown on for Bandamonium

July 23 • There will be bandamonium in Devon on Saturday 25th July — and you can enjoy it all live and on demand thanks to NXTOD.


Langley

Baker takes baton at Langley

July 23 • Dr Brett Baker is the new MD at Langley Band.


National Finals

Adjudication panels for National Finals announced

July 22 • The panels of judges who will make the National Final decisions has been confirmed.


roomsforgroups

Hotel packages for London and York

July 22 • rooms4groups has some great deals on offer for the National Finals


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd