When people find out that both my wife, Helen and I are musicians, then find out we’re trumpet players, and then find out Helen is a professional singer, the next question usually is do we get to perform together often. Well, the answer is yes we do from time to time, in bands (wind band, brass band and occasionally orchestra if MrsQ gets time to write out the transpositions, typical brass bander…), but I rarely get the opportunity to be…
Better late then never but here is my post relating to this years Prudential Ride London which took place on August 4th. I chose to raise funds again this year for the marvellous people at Bloodwise and it was a privilege again to ride in their colours. The ride this year could not have been more different than 2018 in many ways. Firstly, in terms of my preparation and training, I exceeded my training miles this year over 2018 by…
For our second concert of 2019, the North London Symphony Orchestra will be featuring works by British Composers, Bax, Walton and Vaughan-Williams. Returning to St James in Muswell hill, the orchestra under the baton of Robert Max will perform:- Tintagel: Bax Viola Concerto: Walton, to be performed by Alinka Rowe A London Symphony: Vaughan-Williams It is certainly an interesting program for brass as we have lots to do, but it is also a very musical performance. The Walton and the…
I will be riding Prudential Ride London again on August 4th 2019 raising funds for Bloodwise. For those of you not familiar with Bloodwise, they fund world-class research into all types of blood cancer. They are also there for blood cancer patients – they support anyone worried about blood cancer with expert information and advice. After 2018’s rain soaked event, I’m sure I’m with every other rider in the 2019 event hoping for better weather (and, of course better times!)…
After years of being asked and having to turn it down due to brass band competition clash, I finally am available to attend and play for my father in law, Julian Power who conducts the Isle of Man Choral Society and The Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra for their major annual concert together. I was a regular member of the Manx Sinfonia (as they were known then) when I lived on the IOM, so expecting a few familiar faces. The…
NLSO open their 2019 season in St James Church, Muswell Hill playing music by Bizet, Korngold and Brahms (third racket…) Date: Saturday 23 March 2019Time: 7.30 pmVenue: St James Church Muswell HillSt James LaneLondon N10 3DB Conductor: ROBERT MAX Programme: BIZET: Carmen Suite No. 1KORNGOLD: Violin Concerto (Soloist: BEATRICE PHILIPS)BRAHMS: Symphony No.3 Click here for tickets…
For the final concert of the 2018 season, CLSW have engaged Paul Archibald as MD. I played under Paul for the last few years at Regent Brass and am very much looking forward to this series of rehearsals and forthcoming concert. Again, the repertoire is a mix of music that I’m familiar with from the Brass Band world, and music new to me. Concert Program: Gregson – Festivio Grainger/Wilson – British Waterside Grainger/Wilson – The Cutting of the Hay Ellerby…
So, last night I played with Hitchin Band for the first time, and this got me thinking, what is my “band count” up to now. Here goes.. the list as I can remember… St Patrick’s Brass Band (now City of Waterford Brass) Mount Sion Silver Band Massed Bands of Waterford New Ross Silver Band Clonakilty Brass Band (I seem to remember doing a gig with them) Manx Concert Brass Manx Youth Band Crosby Silver Band (I seem to remember a…
Finally getting around to sharing this video. I played this concerto earlier this year (June) with the City of London Symphonic Wind Orchestra, conducted by Adam Cooke. I’d never heard of the work prior to receiving an email from music selection team at CLSW to say, we’ve found a trumpet concerto… so it went from, send it over to appearing on full in the next concert. It was quite a challenge to get into the style of each movement…
So, after countless sunny days, many training rides in the heat… it only tipped it down on the day, more or less all day. It almost but didn’t break my spirit on the day… all I had to do was think back 12 months ago and remind myself that I followed the event from hospital bed, probably receiving blood transfusions that day also. Crossing the finish line was special.. but not as special as the roar from the support team…