*
banner

World class foursomes at the RNCM

14 of the world's finest brass quartets are performing at the RNCM in Manchester in the hope of winning the prestigious prizes at the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition.

RNCM
  The RNCM is hosting 14 world class quartets this week

The inaugural Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition is currently taking place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Established by Ursula Jones and John Miller, its aim is to bring together many of the world's finest young brass quintets to showcase their musical excellence and enterprise in brass chamber music performance.

Legacy

The competition also builds on the incredible legacy left by Philip Jones CBE (1928-2000), with an international jury of renowned musicians, Reinhold Friedrich (trumpet), Barbara Butler (trumpet), Frøydis Ree Wekre (horn), Ian Bousfield (trombone) and Oren Marshall (tuba) tasked with making the all important decision to who will claim the prestigious, as well as lucrative, high profile awards.

Many quintets from around the world applied and 14 of the finest young brass quintets from the UK, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy and the USA will perform this week.

The semi finals, masterclasses and finals are open to the general public, with the winners taking away the main Philip Jones Prize and a cash prize of £10,0004BR

Free

The semi finals, masterclasses and finals are open to the general public, with the winners taking away the main Philip Jones Prize and a cash prize of £10,000.

The runner-up will be presented with the Marah Mahlowe Prize and £7,500, with the third placed quintet receiving the Founder's Prize and £5,000. Several prominent music festivals and venues have also expressed interest in the outcome of the competition.

Semi Finals:


18th July (2.00pm)
Concert Hall
RNCM
Free

Masterclasses in Chamber Music


19th July (2.00pm)
Carole Nash Recital Hall, RNCM, Free

Final


20th July (2.30pm)
Concert Hall,
RNCM
Tickets £15 (£10 concessions), £5 students/under 18s

www.rncm.ac.uk or Box Office 0161 907 5555

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    


Samba Haps

Wright & Round: Samba de Haps (Philip Harper)

September 16 • Bring some serious energy to your next concert with this fantastic new addition to the Wright & Round catalogue.


Rivington

New build future beckons for Rivington & Adlington

September 16 • Players past and present can leave their mark as Rivington & Adlington Band looks forward to bright new build future.


Purcell School

Purcell offers free Brass Experience

September 16 • The Purcell School is offering young players the opportunity to develop their musicianship, build confidence and enjoy making music alongside other enthusiastic brass players — and all for free.


Cory

Cory to lead side by side opportunity

September 16 • The Welsh Champion will help inspire the next generation of young players with their 'Side-by-Side' initiative at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • BBb Bass - We're a First Section band, looking for a BBb Bass with the musical ability and commitment to perform at that level. Are you the rock solid foundation, to compliment our amazing Bass team?


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • Principle Euphonium - We are looking for an accomplished soloist within Wokingham and surrounding areas, with the confidence and expression to take on the bands prominent Euphonium features and solos. . If this is you, please get in touch.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd