*
banner

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Michael Fowles

We speak to the Foden's MD about the works that the Sandbach Band will feature in their forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival appearance.

Michael Fowles
  Michael Fowles talks about the RNCM programme being performed by Foden's Band

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

The opening concert of the 2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival on Friday 24th January at 7.30pm, will feature Foden's Band.

Conducted by Michael Fowles their featured soloist is Tim de Maeseneer in a programme of music by Paul Mealor, Edward Gregson, Elgar Howarth, Elizabeth Vannebo, David Stanhope and John McCabe

We caught up with Michael to find out more about the works to be performed and the inspirations behind them.

Tickets

Foden's Band
Conductor: Michael Fowles

Tickets: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/basket/?instance_id=13401

Programme:


Fantasia on a Theme of Purcell (Paul Mealor)
Tenor Horn Concerto: Three Gods (Edward Gregson)
Soloist: Tim de Maeseneer

Fireworks (Elgar Howarth)
Elektrodesign (Elisabeth Vannebo)
A Leadsman, a Lady and a Lord (David Stanhope)
Cloudcatcher Fells (John McCabe)

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd