*
banner

Derwent set for birthday planetary exploration

Derwent Brass will perform Holst's 'Planets' to help celebrate their 30th anniversary boosted by a few extra crew members.

pLANETS
  The band will perform the whole of 'The Planets' suite by Gustav Holst

Derwent Brass has welcomed new members and special guests as they prepare for the final concert in a trilogy of special events designed to celebrate 30 years of the Derbyshire based band.

Stephen Hargreaves returns to the percussion team following a break from full time brass banding, together with Conor Harron who returns to the horn section following a move back to the UK.

Meanwhile, Alan Losh has been signed as assistant principal cornet. He is a former member of the International Staff Band, principal cornet of Derby Central Salvation Army Band and Salvo Brass as well as being a conductor, composer and educator for over 40 years.

Entitled 'Under the Stars', it will feature 'The Planets' suite of Gustav Holst arranged by Stephen Roberts, together with other astronomical inspired works4BR

Under the Stars

The band is now putting the finishing touches to their exciting final concert programme to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Entitled 'Under the Stars', it will feature 'The Planets' suite of Gustav Holst arranged by Stephen Roberts, together with other astronomical inspired works such as the finale from Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' and a new anniversary work from MD Jack Capstaff called 'Jubilate'.

Amongst the guests are the band's Associate Composer Matthew Eden on organ, and award-winning harpists Emily Hopper and Elfair Grug. The concert will take place on September 17th in Derby Cathedral.

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    


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd