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RNCM International Brass Band Festival

Six of the world’s leading brass brands, twelve world premières, nine outstanding soloists, plus the next generation of brass musicians – we can’t wait to welcome you to The RNCM International Brass Band Festival this January.

The festival continues to be an unparalleled event in the brass band calendar as the only major UK event away from the competition stage. Taking over from long-time artistic director Paul Hindmarsh, David Thornton joins us as his successor, building on an incredible legacy of performances, commissions, and premières spanning three decades.

This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular occasion as broadened horizons include a début from Brass Band Treize Étoiles, a thrilling performance by German trumpeter Matthias Höfs with Tredegar Town Band, an in-depth interview with tuba virtuoso and conductor James Gourlay, and premières of music by Hungarian composer Kámea Németh and Argentinian composer Ignacio Freijo.

Foden’s Band, Tredegar Town Band, Black Dyke Band, Cory Band and Brighouse and Rastrick Band all make a welcome return while music by Oliver Waespi and Dorothy Gates is heard across the weekend as the festival’s featured composers.

No shortage of fantastic soloists, we additionally welcome performances by Sheona White, Lionel Fumeaux, Glyn Williams, Siobhan Bates, Gary Curtin, Jamie Smith, and Ellena Newton.

Finally, Salford Quays Brass Quartet, Grimethorpe Education, Rosamund Brass, and Junior and Senior RNCM Brass Bands showcase the next generation of talent, following in the footsteps of the leading bands as they unleash exciting performances with diverse programmes.

Looking ahead to the 2024 festival and beyond, David Thornton’s vision is one that embraces brass bands in the broadest sense.  He remarks, ‘Only with our eyes wide open do we truly see the vastness of our tiny world. Let’s encourage imagination, let’s encourage diversity, curiosity, and openness. The brass band is capable of much more than we sometimes allow it to be, let’s drop the rules, shed the shackles of tradition, and see where this bird will fly, now and in years to come.’

The RNCM is grateful to Adams Instruments, Yamaha, Besson and the Golland Trust for their generous sponsorship of the Festival.

Festival Discount:
Automatically receive a 10% discount when you purchase tickets to 3 or more RNCM International Brass Band Festival events (excluding free events). Please note that this discount only applies when booking events as part of a single transaction. A maximum booking fee of £3 applies to all transactions.