*
banner

Cory past and present to celebrate 140th anniversary

The Cory Band will celebrate its 140th anniversary with a concert in Barry this weekend.

Cory Band
  The band will celebrate its 140th anniversary this weekend

2024 Welsh and Brass in Concert Champion Cory will celebrate its 140th anniversary in Barry on Saturday 21st December.

Led by MD Philip Harper the event will see the current band joined by Vintage Cory led by Nigel Seaman, made up of former players who have also enjoyed considerable success with the band over previous decades.

Massed finale

Supported by Besson Musical Instruments the event will be rounded off with a Cory massed band finale of over 80 players.

Speaking about the concert, Philip Harper told 4BR: "Everyone involved feels honoured to celebrate 140 years of history of one of the foremost musical institutions in Wales — one that has come from the heart of the Rhondda Valleys to reach around the globe."

Musical connections

The MD revealed that the evening will feature music that also holds a connection to the band's history — from the most recent 'Soaring the Heights' by Christopher Bond which was featured on their '140' CD release to a march entitled 'The Singer' by John Bailey, one of the first conductors of the band, and which was used as an early signature tune.

Music that touches on the outstanding conducting tenures of Major Arthur Kenney, Denzil Stephens, Dr Robert Childs and Philip Harper will also be featured.

With the concert so close to Christmas there will also be a festive element too as well as a social get together afterwards.

Everyone involved feels honoured to celebrate 140 years of history of one of the foremost musical institutions in Wales — one that has come from the heart of the Rhondda Valleys to reach around the globeCory Band

Venue and tickets


Venue:
Barry Memorial Hall
Saturday 21st December (5.00pm)

Tickets: https://coryband.com/event/140th-anniversary-concert-barry/

If you would like to be involved, either to play or at the social event, go to: https://forms.office.com/e/P4pJmCTjaN?origin=lprLink

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    


Tommy Tynan

4BR Thursday interview with Tommy Tynan

January 15 • We catch up with Black Dyke Band's Tommy Tynan as he prepares to take up the baton as a finalist in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition this weekend in Tidworth.


RAF

RAF Ensembles continue to fly high and wide

January 15 • The variant ensembles that are part of the Band of the RAF Regiment continue to reach out in their musical performances.


Ingbjord

Duality of expansion and recognition for Vilhelmsen

January 15 • Norwegian composer gains recognition for the popularity and critical acclaim of her brass band works with publisher award nomination.


Skunkworks

A brass band camp with a difference...

January 15 • The latest Skunkworks Community Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive in Australia came with snake bites, heat stress gastroenteritis and bushfires, as well as plenty of great music making...


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd