*
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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd