*
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    


Hepworth

Result: 2026 Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Hepworth carries on its dominance of the lucrative march and hymn tune circuit with victory at the Brighouse event under MD Ryan Watkins.


Milnrow

Result: 2026 Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

July 6 • Milnrow adds another march and hymn tune title as they build confidence and bank balances ahead of autumn majors.


hIGGINBOTTOM

Death of Gordon Higginbottom

July 6 • The death has been announced of the celebrated tenor horn soloist, tutor, clinician, conductor and adjudicator, Gordon Higginbottom.


NYBBGB

Ticket sales boost for National Youth Bands

July 5 • Tickets for the end of course performances of both the National Children's Band and National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are bring snapped up quickly.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd