*
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    


lINZ

European to offer full programme of attractions

April 14 • A celebration of youth, excellence, and musical diversity underpins the forthcoming European Championships in Linz — from competitions, concert and educators.


next

On demand service replays ConsTest action

April 14 • You can enjoy all the action from the recent ConsTest Birmingham Open and sign up not to miss the action at Fleetwood.


Brisbane Excelsior

Brisbane enjoy plaudits after National success

April 14 • Brisbane Excelsior Band has been congratulated by worldwide supporters following their victory at the recent Australian National Championships.


ECWO

Wind Orchestras prepare for their European Championships in Germany

April 14 • It will not only be brass bands battling for European honours this year.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd