*
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    


Full

Youth Champs packed full following record registrations

October 16 • The 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain are full to the brim after unprecedented response from those wanting to take part.


Santa

Wright & Round: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Michael Buble arr. Chris Wormald)

October 16 • You can't beat a little bit of Buble for Christmas...


ABRSM

ABRSM fined over serious shortcomings

October 16 • The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music has been fined £150,000 by Ofqual over serious shortcomings in its arrangements for retaining and managing assessment evidence.


Tredegar

Tredegar provide penultimate Orbital launch

October 16 • The fourth commissioning premiere of Richard Blackford's major composition has been given by Tredegar in West Sussex.


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


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player 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.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player 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.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb Bass player 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.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd