*
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    


bLACKFORD

A curious banding link...

May 27 • A BBC television programme from 2023 had a slightly curious, but very timely link to the banding world...


Kerkrade

World Championship perc to be provided by Adams

May 27 • Adams Musical Instruments will provide all the percussion requirements for bands in Kerkrade in July.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy

May 27 • The latest podcast is now out — with plenty to chew on...


Andrew Wainwright

Wainwright works continue to make championship mark

May 27 • The compositions of Andrew Wainwright are being increasingly performed across the banding world — with his latest release set to add to the repertoire.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Front Row Cornet: . Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham..


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

May 25 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd