*
banner

Sounds of Heaven and Earth come to the RNCM

The RNCM in Manchester is gearing up for a day of music making that encompasses the ancient and modern from heaven and earth — including the evocative sound of the Carnyx — the mouthpiece of the Gods...

CARNYX
  The day will feature the rare opportunity to hear the sound of the ancient Carnyx instrument

The Royal Northern College of Music will present its latest festival event 'Soundscapes of Heaven and Earth' on Sunday 16th June.

It will see a series of formal concerts and 'pop-up' performances throughout the day at the venue, with repertoire spanning the centuries from the ancient to the contemporary — including the evocative sound of the Carnyx, the Iron Age 'Mouthpiece of the Gods' to the most modern electronic soundtracks of the 21st century.

MacMillan to Berlioz

Works from composers such as James MacMillan, Adam Gorb, Bart Wirtz and Steve Martland will sit next to Hector Berlioz, Dimtri Shostakovich and Gunter Schuller, whilst a series of sound installations will be performed in unconventional settings featuring various ensemble groups.

The trio of formal concerts will be held under the titles, 'Triumph, Glory and Heroes', 'The Soundscape of Industrial Man' and 'The Company of Heaven', whilst there will also be a recital feature entitled, 'The Voice of the Gods' which will see performances of baroque and romantic repertoire played on period brass instruments.

Carnyx

There will also be that rare opportunity to hear the sound of the Carnyx as renowned musician John Kenny performs on its in a recital entitled, 'Multiplex' that will also encompass works for trombone, live electronics and film.

Artistic Director, Nicholas Thompson told 4BR: "Listeners can expect performances of brilliance, artistry and imagination.

There'll be fascinating stuff going on throughout the building — both in our venues and via 'pop-up' performances in public spaces where you least expect them..."

There'll be fascinating stuff going on throughout the building — both in our venues and via 'pop-up' performances in public spaces where you least expect them...Artistic Director, Nicholas Thompson

Soundscapes of Heaven and Earth


Royal Northern Festival of Music
Manchester
Sunday 16th June

To find out more go to:
https://www.rncm.ac.uk/festivals/soundscapes-of-heaven-and-earth/

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    


Whitburn

Double boost for Whitburn

August 26 • New solo signings boost Scottish Champion's ranks ahead of major challenges.


Tertnes

New duo to lead Tertnes

August 26 • Margie Sutherland Antrobus and Katrina Marzella Wheeler will spearhead the musical approaches of Tertnes Brass on contest and concert stages over the next year.


wsbba

Troon set to welcome entertainers

August 26 • Defending champion Unite Scotland Kinneil leads the entertainers in Troon at the West of Scotland Entertainment Contest this weekend.


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Tuesday (1st) in our bandroom at 11am. Why not come along for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake/coffee and it’s all free.. We welcome players of all abilities and blowing with us doesn’t affect your No1 band.


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd