The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain will bring more than 70 of the country’s finest brass bands to York Barbican on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September for the Sections 1–4 National Finals.
The prestigious event has been brought to York Barbican because of its top-class concert hall facilities, central location and reputation for hosting major live events, helping attract thousands of visitors to the city across the weekend. There is also strong local interest, with Yorkshire bands including York Railway Institute Band, Wetherby Silver Band and Swinton & District Excelsior Band all qualifying to compete for National honours.
Section 1
Beyond the Falls – the Smoke that Thunders by Andrew Wainwright, is inspired by the renowned Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, whose legendary expeditions from 1841 until his death, in 1873, took him into the interior of central and southern Africa with the aim spreading Christianity and commerce, though ultimately, his legacy was defined by his relentless spirit of discovery.
Section 2
Song of Courage by Eric Ball was written around the outbreak of War and evokes many moods – joyfulness to commence followed by a sense of fear and effort against great odds. The old chorus, ‘Stand like the brave’, typifies the call-to-action in the face of danger and the central part of the composition, A Prayer for Courage, reminds about Christian fortitude.
Section 3
Snow Island by Thierry Deleruyelle was commissioned by the five music associations of the villages of Crans-Montana in Switzerland for the 2024 Cantonal Festival. A lively first part, based on a motif featuring a rhythm depicting the resort’s dynamism, is followed by a slower, gently expressive melodic section delivered by the band’s soloists, concluding with a short, brilliant coda.
Section 4
Heroes of the North by Peter Graham, commissioned by Henning Annundsen for Skodvin Skulemusikk, pays tribute to brass band development and activity in Norway’s Nordhordland region.
Tickets are available on the day only from the York Barbican Box Office: Adult £24.00, Concessions (Student/60+) £16.00 and children (11–17) £8.00.