*
banner

The Snow Queen to be set free...

A new multi-media brass band production of the famous 'Snow Queen' fairytale can be enjoyed for free from Friday — thanks to Jack and Charlotte Capstaff, Carlton Mian Frickley Colliery and Frank Renton...

The Snow Queen
  The inventive adaptation has been created by Jack and Charlotte Capstaff

A free multi-media brass band production of Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Snow Queen' fairy tale is set for release on Friday (23rd December) at 6.30pm.

Scored and produced by Jack and Charlotte Capstaff, and featuring Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band alongside narrator Frank Renton, the 30-minute digital release will be free to view on the YouTube platform at: https://fb.me/e/2xm05uMye

Adaptation

The inventive adaptation combines live brass band accompaniment alongside motion graphics and narration and was created by Jack Capstaff, who has quickly gained a reputation for innovative entertainment programming through his leadership of Derwent Brass and now through his role with Carlton Main.

His new score is inspired by Scandinavian folk music with textures that draw the audience into the wind-swept tundra landscapes and the storybook-inspired imagery which have been beautifully created by Charlotte Capstaff, to bring a new twist on the classic tale.

Against the odds

Jack told 4BR: "The story follows Gerda, a girl whose courage, commitment, and determination, allow her to battle against all odds to save her young friend Kay, who is kidnapped by the Snow Queen."

The production was originally set for a live premiere in 2021, but was postponed due to Covid-19, with Jack able to use the hiatus to create this special digital concert version.

He added: "It's hugely important to me that we continue to provide arts outreach and engagement for those who can't join live performances in person. This then was the logical step to take. It's the ideal way of connecting directly to audiences — and especially to those who have had difficulty or have been unable to access high quality music making in person in the past."

This year more than ever I'm conscious of the significant cost pressures affecting families, and that's why we are making this available for free from 23rd of December to the 31st of December for people to enjoyJack Capstaff

Free

Jack concluded: "This year more than ever I'm conscious of the significant cost pressures affecting families, and that's why we are making this available for free from 23rd of December to the 31st of December for people to enjoy.

I have however set up a link to support 'turn2us' a superb charity helping the financially vulnerable, whose work has become more important than ever given the current economic climate.

If you do enjoy the production, please think of giving a small donation to a charity that does amazing work, and a HD video link will be emailed to all those who choose to donate in the period."

To enjoy

The video will be free to access between the 23rd and 31st of December.

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/OgF88qrOO1w

Donate:
https://jackcapstaff.com/Snow_queen_download.html
Sneak Peak video for promotional purposes:
https://youtu.be/giO0uKm7pM8

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    


Heaton

Heaton CD gains critical acclaim

January 19 • The final recording element of Paul Hindmarsh's extensive research into the work and music of Wilfred Heaton gains praise from influential review website.


Oliver Waespi

Composition focus for Waespi

January 18 • New works and performances with a banding link kick start 2026 for Swiss composer.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band enhances profile to Rome banding public

January 18 • The Italian Brass Band continues to provide an increasingly popular profile in the Eternal City.


Purcell School

Purcell School to introduce new industry pathway qualification

January 18 • The RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries will help students gain the experience and qualification to succeed in professional careers.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Fulham Brass Band

January 20 • Sadly due to relocation, we’re on the lookout for a euphonium player to join the band and compete with us in the first section areas at the end of March.


Flookburgh band

January 20 • Flookburgh band are a friendly motivated band in the south lakes, Cumbria . We have a vacancy for trombone/ bass trombone. We are newly promoted to the 2nd section and have a busy season of engagements ahead.


Crewe Brass

January 20 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd