*
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    


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Yorkshire Youth Band

Yorkshire Youth set for RNCM showcase

January 22 • The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band are ready to make a memorable mark at this weekend's RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

January 23 • Cleethorpes Band are recruiting a Musical Director. . We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd