RNCM Festival of Brass

20th December 2004

The anniversaries of three composers are featured in the 2005 Royal Northern College of Music Festival of Brass - Elgar Howarth on his 70th birthday, John McCabe for his 65th, and Edward Gregson (pictured) in his 60th year.

Seven leading brass bands are taking part over the festival, including the RNCM's own brass band, the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army, and the Black Dyke Band. A succession of renowned conductors will direct, from James Gourlay, Robert Childs and Bramwell Tovey to composers Howarth and Gregson themselves.

Classics from the brass band repertoire such as McCabe's Cloudcatcher Fells and Gregson's Tuba Concerto (recently recorded once again, and named British Bandsman's CD of the Year 2004) stand out from what promises to be an outstanding weekend of the best of brass band music.

For further information, go to the festival page at the RNCM, and to book tickets call 0161 907 5555 or click on www.rncm.ac.uk