*
banner

Sage stuffing of great music...

A festive mixture of star euphonium players, Black Dyke and friends and a special plum pudding from PLC is on offer at Sage Gateshead on 4th December.

Black Dyke
  The concert will feature star performers and stardust music making

If your appetite for great brass band entertainment was whetted at the recent Brass in Concert Championships at Sage Gateshead, then you can enjoy a second helping at the iconic venue with Black Dyke on Sunday 4th December — and with a great festive flavour.

Festive flavour

The Queensbury Band will be joined by local favourites, NASUWT Riverside and Reg Vardy Bands for an afternoon of 'Christmas Spectacular' entertainment (2.00pm).

Not only will the concert feature the euphonium 'Three Tenors' of John Storey, Glenn Van Looy and Daniel Thomas in eagerly anticipated new works by Alan Fernie and Keith Wilkinson, but also the magnificent Verdi overture 'Nabucco'.

The second half points very much towards Christmas though, and will also feature another world premiere in the form of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's latest work, 'Christmas is Coming'.

Brilliant premieres

Speaking to 4BR, Black Dyke's Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Child told 4BR: "We are really looking forward to the concert and bringing two brilliant premieres for everyone to enjoy.

With the World Cup on at the moment the brass band world's own superstar euphonium players will provide virtuoso entertainment every bit as brilliant as Harry Kane, Gareth Bale and Kevin de Bruyne, whilst Paul Lovatt-Cooper has really sprinkled some festive magic with his new work."

With the World Cup brass banding's own superstar euph players will provide virtuoso entertainment every bit as brilliant as Harry Kane, Gareth Bale and Kevin de Bruyne, whilst PLC has sprinkled some festive magic with his new workProf Childs

Christmas tradition

Dedicated to his second daughter Evie, who is celebrating her first Christmas, Paul told 4BR that composing a work for Christmas has become something of a tradition in the Lovatt-Cooper household.

"I started writing a new work for my loved ones for their first Christmas a few years ago — first for my wife, Zoe and then for our first daughter Melody, with each performance premiered by Black Dyke.

This year for Evie's first Christmas, I've composed a concert opener entitled 'Christmas is Coming!' packed with melodies from famous Christmas pieces to get everyone in the right festive mood. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed writing it."

Book a ticket:


https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/black-dyke-band-2022/#book

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    


Cory

Wobplay boost from National coverage

October 12 • The recording quality of the performances from York and London also proved to be a winner for World of Brass as well as Cory, Marsden Silver, Harborough, Allerton brass and Wardle Community...


BritishMusicService

Palladium science makes mouthpiece breakthrough

October 12 • The use of palladium as part of the replating process has made benefits for performers.


Anne

Crookston gives judgement insight to Peel

October 12 • Anne Crookston was the guest on the latest 'Brass Banding with Hannah Peel' Radio 3 show.


St Ronan

Youth bands set for Innerleithen

October 12 • Eight youth bands are getting ready to perform at the 13th Innerleithen Youth Brass Band contest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Tintwistle Band

October 11 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts and contests all year round.


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd