*
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    


NYGGB

National Youth Band opportunities

May 8 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain is looking to appoint new trustees and a librarian to help strengthen the organisation's heritage and future.


Albert Hall

Albert Hall tickets now on sale

May 8 • Tickets for the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall are now on sale.


Band Supplies

Summer deals to grab at Band Supplies

May 8 • There are plenty of great deals to grab at Band Supplies on ex-demo and second hand instruments.


Emergency

BBE to host emergency planning webinar

May 8 • Make sure you have plans in place to protest valuable musical and memorabilia assets if potential disaster strikes.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Ibstock Brick Brass

May 9 • Ibstock Brick Brass are looking for a Solo Cornet, 3rd Cornet, 2nd Horn, Bass Trombone and B Flat Tuba as we move into the second section from 2027. We are a friendly, ambitions and progressive band that rehearse at our own bandroom in Coalville.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd