*
banner

A4 Quartet selected for acclaimed development programme

The A4 Quartet has become the first brass ensemble to be part of the City Music Foundation Artists Programme.

A4 Brass quartet
  The A4 Quartet will be part of a high profile programme of support

The City Music Foundation (CMF) has announced that the A4 Brass Quartet will become the first brass ensemble to become part of their acclaimed '2018 CMF Artists' programme.

They will join singer Helen Charlston, string players Toby Hughes, Ariana Kashefi and Emily Sun and pianist Tom Millar to be part of the foundation's aim to turn exceptional musical talent into professional success by equipping outstanding musicians with the tools, skills, experience, and networks they need to build and sustain rewarding and profitable careers.

Exciting projects

Chosen after an intensive audition process from over 150 applicants, the A4 Quartet is made up of brass band players Jamie Smith, Jonathan Bates, Chris Robertson and Michael Cavanagh.

They responded to the news by telling 4BR: "We're really looking forward to this new partnership with the City Music Foundation and we can't wait to begin working on developing exciting projects over the 2-3 year programme as we continue to expand our repertoire and perform to new audiences across the world."

It will see the quartet giving a recital at The Hospital Church of St Bartholomew the Less on Wednesday 19th December as part of CMFs 201/19 lunchtime recital series.

We're really looking forward to this new partnership with the City Music Foundation and we can't wait to begin working on developing exciting projects over the 2-3 year programme as we continue to expand our repertoireA4 Quartet

Two year programme

4BR was informed that the 'CMF Artists' will engage in an innovative two-year programme, which includes artistic and business mentoring, as well as professional development workshops covering topics such as financial planning, artistic development and promotion and publicity strategies.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We work with the CMF Artists to develop professional promotional tools, as well as providing help with commissioning and other projects to ensure that they develop a their niche and selling point.

We present CMF Artists in our own recital series and residencies and arrange performance opportunities at venues and festivals throughout the UK and beyond, as well as securing airtime on BBC Radio 3 and promotion through online, print, and social media."

CMF artists

Now in its sixth year, previous CMF Artists include jazz bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado (now a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist), Foyle-Stsura Duo, Tabea Debus, jazz clarinetist Giacomo Smith, soprano Raphaela Papadakis, and guitarist Andrey Lebedev.

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    


Bolton Crown Court

Brass band conductor sentenced for abuse of position of trust

July 2 • Sam Olsson is sentenced at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.


tIPS

BBE announces partnership with donations platform

July 2 • Brass Band England member bands can benefit from an easy way to gain cashless donations.


Mead in Japan

No fatigue for touring Mead

July 2 • Steven Mead has just return from tours of Japan and Australia with China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to come.


Wainstone Cup

Sextet after big money at Dr Martin contest

July 2 • Six bands will look to claim a large slice of prize money at the Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest this weekend in Yarm.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd