*
banner

Concerto Grosso collaboration for National Youth Band and National Youth Orchestra

Performances of Gavin Higgins' epic work will be given in Liverpool and London in April as ensembles prepare to showcase major works.

NYBBGB
  The organisation will come together for two performances in Liverpool and London

Gavin Higgins' 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' will form the first half centrepiece of two concerts given by the joint forces of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and the National Youth Orchestra in Liverpool and London in April.

Catalyst

The collaboration, entitled 'Catalyst' reflects the commitment both organisations have to change perceptions and show a wider audience "that both symphony orchestras and brass bands are a living, vital and integral part of British culture."

It will be conducted by Jessica Cottis, Artistic Director of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and will see performances given on Friday 12th April at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall and on Sunday 14th April at London's Southbank Centre.

The second part of the programmes sees the National Youth Orchestra perform Prokofiev's 'Symphony No. 5'.

Individual performances

In addition to the showcase concert in Liverpool the performers from both ensembles will be popping up in unexpected places to share extraordinary music across the city. Tickets for each of the joint performances are free for teenagers.

Each will also perform at the Tung Auditorium.

On Thursday 11th April the orchestra under the direction of Delia Stevens, will take audiences on a daring musical adventure, with composers whose music is a catalyst to new ideas and creativity

On Saturday 13th April, The National Youth Brass Band will perform Karl Jenkins' 'Fragile Earth', his first major work for brass band, as part of an extensive major programme under the direction of Artistic Director Dr Robert Childs.

Programmes:

Thursday 11th April:

The National Youth Orchestra
Creative Director: Delia Stevens
The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool (8.00pm)

https://thetungauditorium.com/events/catalyst-musicians-from-the-national youth-orchestra#book-tickets

Programme:
Stay On It (Julius Eastman)
Trombone Concerto (second movement) (Dani Howard)
Graffiti (Carlos Simon)

Friday 12th April:

The National Youth Orchestra & National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
Conductor: Jessica Cottis
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (7.30pm)

https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/classical-music/catalyst-the-national youth-orchestra-and-the-national-youth-brass-band/8986

Programme:
Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra (Gavin Higgins)
Symphony No. 5 (Prokofiev)

Saturday 13th April:

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
Conductor: Dr Robert Childs
The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool (5.00pm)

https://thetungauditorium.com/events/catalyst-the-national-youth-brass band-of-great-britain#book-tickets

Programme:
Four Minute Mile (Judith Bingham)
Carnival Overture Op. 92 (Dvořák arr. Brand)
Little Suite for Brass, No. 1 (Malcolm Arnold)
Voices of Youth (Edward Gregson)
Journey Into Freedom (Eric Ball)
Dundonell from Hymn of the Highlands (Phillip Sparke)
Faith (Dorothy Gates)
Sing, Sing, Sing (Louis Prima arr. Fogie)
Little Prayer (Evelyne Glennie)
Fragile World (Sir Karl Jenkins)

Sunday 14th April:

The National Youth Orchestra & National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
Conductor: Jessica Cottis
Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall (7.30pm)

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/classical-music/catalyst

Programme:
Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra (Gavin Higgins)
Symphony No. 5 (Prokofiev)

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    


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • The 2026 Dutch National Championships take place in Utrecht this weekend with 4BR covering the event at the TivoliVredenburg.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Tommy Tynan

Tynan launches online Tuba Shop

October 21 • The Black Dyke Band tuba star has launched his online store that caters for all things low brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Thursday 22 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd