*
banner

King and Fountain to lead on NYBBGB Summer concert

Prof David King and James Fountain will provide the inspirational leads for young players from both the UK and Switzerland at the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Summer Course and concert.

NYBBGB
  The band will be led by rof David King with guest soloist, James Fountain

Following the critical acclaim received after recent performances in Cardiff, Liverpool and London, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain has announced details of its Summer Course concert.

To be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday 10th August, it will be directed by Prof David King, with guest soloist James Fountain, principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Also featured will be rising conducting star and 2023 NYBBGB Conducting Competition winner Joshua Parkhill, whilst the band will be joined for the first time by two players from the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland as part of a cultural exchange initiative.

Acclaimed

The invitation to invite Prof King to direct the NYBBGB Summer Course sees the iconic Australian following in a line of internationally acclaimed conductors who in recent years have broadened the musical horizons of the band.

"We are thoroughly looking forward to working with one of the most dynamic and inspirational conductors in the brass banding world," NYBBGB CEO, Mark Bromley told 4BR.

"His influence and success as a conductor, instrumentalist and educator is something we are sure will bring an extra dimension to this year's course and to what will be another unmissable concert appearance.

We are also delighted that he will mentor Joshua, a real rising conducting star who will also share the conducting platform with him."

Fountain feature

Mark Bromley also told 4BR of his delight that James Fountain will be the featured soloist.

"James is of course a former principal cornet of the band, and a performer who always pays tribute to the band and the influence it had on him. Now he is one the world's finest trumpet players — so what a honour it is to be able to welcome him back."

This is a wonderful opportunity for creating new musical experiences and friendships amongst young people across EuropeNYBBGB, CEO, Mark Bromley

Swiss Horizons

The band will also be joined by Lea Fugnanesi (baritone) and Sascha Gyger (tuba) — the first Swiss players to be part of the 'Besson Horizons' reciprocal partnership between the nation's youth ensembles.

In July, Phoebe Mallinson (flugel) and Harry Porthouse (cornet) of the NYBBGB Ambassador Band will travel to Switzerland to join the NJBB on their summer course.

Find out more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AUiR9s43s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmPETlGF0ao

Speaking about the new exchange initiative, Mark Bromley added: "This is a wonderful opportunity for creating new musical experiences and friendships amongst young people across Europe, I am very grateful to Besson and the NJBB for their support."

Concert details

More details of the concert can be found at:
www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on

Tickets will be available for purchase from:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-national-youth-brass-band-of-great-britain-tickets-886379273267?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


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


Cambrian Brass

June 29 • 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 moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

June 29 • PERCUSSIONIST: DRUM KIT - Nottinghamshire based 1st section band. We are a youthful, welcoming band and would love to hear from you. We rehearse Thursday evenings and have a well balanced schedule of concerts and competitions.


Ashington Colliery Band

June 29 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. . We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth.. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd