*
banner

2022 4BR Conductor of the Year

The outstanding Russell Gray — the man who added a fourth National Championship as well as a first Brass in Concert title to his CV in 2022 is the 4BR Conductor of the Year.

Conductor
  Russell Gray is the '4BR Conductor of the Year'

Winner: Russell Gray


2. Ian Porthouse
3. Prof. David King

The Scotsman enjoyed a memorable 2022 with the baton — not only inspiring Foden's to retain the National Championship of Great Britain title, but also leading Brighouse & Rastrick to a 'Tango' success at the Brass in Concert Championship.

In addition, he left an indelible impression wherever he took his baton on his travels around Europe — including a fantastic link with the National Childrens Band of Great Britain.

He was the clear winner — with 9 first preference votes in addition to others.

Runner-up was Ian Porthouse (3 first preference votes), who led Tredegar amongst others so impressively this year — including the BBC Proms, with Prof David King in third (2 first preference votes).

Although the top three dominated the choices of the judges, the excellence of Philip Harper, Margie Antrobus, Harmen Vanhoorne also gained first preference votes with noted contributions for the work of Frederic Theodoloz and Stephanie Kennedy.

Panel:


The Awards Panel consisted of:
Iwan Fox (editor 4BR); Michael Bach (conductor/adjudicator); Kerry Baldwin (player/regional development executive ABRSM); Sarah Groarke Booth (conductor/adjudicator); Anne Crookston (conductor/adjudicator); David Gallaher (conductor/adjudicator); David Hirst (player/conductor/adjudicator); Owen Melhuish (New Zealand BBA); Tim Mutum (writer/brass band recording and history specialist); Gordon Simpson (statistician Brass Band World magazine); Stein Skorpholm (Norwegian broadcaster/presenter); Chris Thomas (chief contributor BBW magazine/4BR contributor); Camilla Soderstrom Tveit (player/adjudicator); Luc Vertommen (conductor/adjudicator/arranger); Andrew Wainwright (composer/arranger/designer); Malcolm Wood (4BR chief contributor); Alexander Zwann (chief contributor CU Brass).

Past Winners:


2021: Arsene Duc
2020: Philip Harper
2019: Philip Harper
2018: Arsene Duc
2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Philip Harper
2015: Philip Harper
2014: Nicholas Childs
2013: Philip Harper
2012: Allan Withington
2011: David King
2010: Ian Porthouse
2009: Robert Childs
2008: Robert Childs
2007: Allan Withington
2006: Allan Withington
2005: Nicholas Childs
2004: Ray Farr
2003: David King
2002: Russell Gray
2001: David King

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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest

June 23 • All beaming smiles for Bathgate as they retain their grip on the popular march and hymn tune title.


Milnrow

Report & Result: 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune

June 23 • Milnrow adds to British Open contesting funds with double top victory in Darwen.


Flowers band celebrating their historic European triumph

World Rankings: June 2026

June 22 • Flowers bloom as Gloucester band reach No. 1 in the world after historic European triumph.


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd