Dame Evelyn Glennie to join NYBBGB for landmark Easter concert

The renowned percussion soloist and a major new work from Martin Ellerby will feature in the 2027 Easter Course Concert of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain — so book your tickets now.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has announced that the renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie will be the guest soloist for its 2027 Easter Concert.

In addition, the concert which celebrates the organisation's 75th anniversary in Saffron Walden on Saturday 3rd April, will also feature the world premiere of Martin Ellerby's NHS-inspired 'Sinfonia Vita — A Symphony for Life'

Final lead

Led for the final time by Artistic Director Dr Roberts Childs, the event will bring together 90 of the UK's finest young brass and percussion musicians following a week of intensive rehearsals at Oundle School.

The 2027 theme reflects on the care, compassion, service, resilience and hope given by those involved in the National Health Service since its formation in 1948, as well as recognising its extraordinary contribution to the lives of people across the UK.

NHS inspired

'Sinfonia Vita — A Symphony for Life' by Martin Ellerby is inspired by the 80th anniversary of Royal Assent given to the National Health Service Act 1946.

Through six contrasting movements, it celebrates the people, principles and experiences that have shaped the NHS, including the contribution of the Windrush generation and the compassion and dedication of those who care for others.

Dreamachine

Dame Evelyn Glennie will be featured in Michael Daugherty's 'Dreamachine', presented in a world premiÃ¨re brass band arrangement by Dr Robert Childs.

She will also perform Vittorio Monti's virtuosic 'Czardas' and her won iconic 'A Little Prayer'.

The Easter concert will mark the retirement of Dr Robert Childs as the NYBBGB Director of Artistic Planning, marking the culmination of his own half century and more of an association with the organisation, as a player, tutor, guest soloist, guest conductor, trustee, Chairperson and finally his current role.

To welcome Dame Evelyn Glennie as our guest soloist makes the occasion even more specialDr Robert Childs

Special event

Speaking about the concert he told 4BR: "This will be a very special event personally, but above all for our young musicians.

Celebrating the National Health Service has given us the opportunity to create a programme that recognises the extraordinary importance of this iconic monument to care and compassion.

He added: "To welcome Dame Evelyn Glennie as our guest soloist makes the occasion even more special. I can think of no better musician to link up with to help inspire yet another generation of outstanding young musicians."

In looking forward to the event Mark Bromley, CEO of the NYBBGB, added: "This concert brings together so much of what makes the organisation special, while reflecting on the importance of health and wellbeing for young people and the positive role music can play.

Alongside the two world premieres, the Easter Course programme will include works by Gustav Holst, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Karl Jenkins and Gilbert Vinter.