*
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    


Bedworth

Midlands Area confirm 2027 judges

November 2 • The adjudication teams for the 2027 Midlands Regional Championships have been announced.


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd