*
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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Cambrian Brass

February 11 • We are an inclusive and hard-working brass band seeking a Percussionist on a project basis to join us for the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships on Saturday 14 March. This is a great opportunity to perform as part of a focused and supportive team.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd