*
banner

Gregson and Waespi lead Winds of Change

Renowned composers Edward Gregson and Oliver Waespi head to Palanga to inspire a new generation of Lithuanian brass band writers.

pALANGA
  The Palanga Concert Hall will host the conference and performances.

Two internationally renowned composers for the brass band medium, Edward Gregson and Oliver Waespi, will travel to Palanga this weekend to lead presentations at the leading 'Winds Bring Changes' Conference.

The second international composer event will see them provide insight and practical advice to Lithuanian composers in writing for the brass band medium.

Palanga

The conference will also see the performance of five new works that have already been written and which will be performed at the Palanga Concert Hall, the host venue for the 2020 European Brass Band Championships.

In 2017 a number of Lithuanian composers were asked to write works, with five asked to composer a further number which will be featured this weekend alongside new Lithuanian music.

It is hoped that the development of the compositional skills by Oliver and Edward will lead to a composer to be asked to write for the 2020 European event.

It is hoped that the development of the compositional skills by Oliver and Edward will lead to a composer to be asked to write for the 2020 European event4BR

Important step

Organiser Jappie Dijkstra told 4BR: "This is another important step in the development of a strong and sustainable brass band movement in the country — and this second conference also shows the support that it is being given by a number of important organisations to achieve this."

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    


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd