*
banner

Modern artistic links to add to Victorian history

Two new artistic projects aim to bring the historic sights and sounds of brass ensemble playing to future audiences.

Ensmbel
  The art work has been produced by Christopher Evans of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Queen Victoria's Consort, the acclaimed brass ensemble that performs on period instruments, continues to explore new projects.

Members Sue Addison, Robert Vanryne, Tim Hawes, Jeremy West and Andy Kershaw are currently working on an 'Art of Brass' collaboration with tuba player and artist Christopher Evans of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Original art work

They are fundraising to produce four original pieces that can be shown at concerts and events — a modern reimagining of the type of imagery that was created from early Victorian times of professional and amateur musicians.

Speaking to 4BR, spokesperson Andy Kershaw said: "Although our music celebrates the past we are keen to reflect on the present and the future.

The images are aimed at reimaging those type of sepia tinted images that so brilliantly capture the time as well as character of the performers."

He added: "It also enables us to bring another element of musical and social history to our audiences by adding art to our beautiful instrument collection and costumes. The music we perform retains the strongest link to the present day and this adds to that."

Railway anniversary

Andy confirmed that the ensemble has just finished recording music played in the 1820's onwards to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first steam locomotive on the Stockton to Darlington line.

The first outing of 'Locomotion No. 1' occurred in September 1825. Although it was later damaged it was eventually preserved and is now in a museum, whilst a working replica was used and displayed at the Beamish Museum.

Although our music celebrates the past we are keen to reflect on the present and the futureQueen Victoria's Consort

New music

Andy added: "We have been able to find pieces that were played at railway events. We commissioned the marvellous Steve Robson to recreate the music, and we made the recordings on stunning examples of instruments of the time period.

We can't wait to share this with everyone, this project was generously supported by the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Fund raising

To help with the fund raising go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-art-of-brass

To find out more: www.queenvictoriasconsort.co.uk

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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd