Brass in Concert update

International influences, an adjudicator change, and a band withdrawal announced by Brass in Concert

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Festival, to be held at Sage Gateshead on the weekend of 19th-20th November in association with Yamaha, Banks Group and British Bandsman, have confirmed details of the international themed events that are to be staged.

In addition to the established Youth and Education events on the Saturday, three overseas competitors will be showcased, with the 2015 US Open Champion Dublin Silver Band starting proceedings in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall at 11.00am with a programme celebrating its banding roots.

Newly-crowned Dutch Champion Brass Band Schoonhoven will occupy the same venue for an entertaining 'Coffee Concert' at 3.45pm, whilst innovative Norwegian visitors Stavanger will perform on the Sage Gateshead Concourse at 5.00pm. All events will last around 45 minutes and are completely free of charge. There will be a limited availability of tickets for the Northern Rock venue so anyone wishing to attend is advised to arrive early.

Brass in Concert spokesperson, John Woods said, "These features will add to a wonderful celebration of 40 years of Brass in Concert. With performances during the day from three very different international groups plus Philip Harper's Workshop Band and the remarkable Youth Brass 2000, it promises to be an unforgettable day. We look forward to welcoming all of our international guests to Sage Gateshead and hope that banding enthusiasts from all over the UK will join us for this very special event."

Saturday evening's World of Brass in Concert will feature guest soloist James Morrison alongside Black Dyke in a programme that will include '633 Squadron', 'The Final Voyage', 'Sweet Georgia Brown', 'We've Only Just Begun', 'Nobody Does it Better', 'Symphony of Scarlet and Gold', 'Enter the Galaxies', 'Hymn to the Fallen', 'Things Ain't What they used to Be', 'What a Wonderful World, 'Basin Street Blues' and 'To Boldly Go'.

John added, "We last saw and heard the 'Wizard of Oz' James Morrison at British Bandsman's 125th Anniversary Concert in 2012 and anyone fortunate to be present in Birmingham that day will recall a phenomenal performance from this remarkable musician. His appearance at Brass in Concert with Black Dyke will see the reuniting of a partnership that has thrilled audiences over the past two decades and the result promises to be as spectacular as ever!"

Adjudicator change

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have also announced that Programme Content adjudicator Steve Sykes is to stand down from this year’s event. 

John Woods commented: “We booked Steve Sykes to adjudicate at this year’s Brass in Concert 18 months ago and at that time there were no foreseeable conflicts of interest. Since then, however, his talented tuba-playing son, Carlton, has become an important member of Flowers Band. To avoid a situation that would involve Carlton missing out on the contest Steve has offered to stand down from judging at this year’s event.”

John Woods added: “Steve Sykes took part in the first Brass in Concert Championship in 1977 so it would have been appropriate for him to have been there this year as part of the judging panel. However, we completely understand the situation and wish to thank both Steve and Flowers Band for the professional manner in which this has been handled. We are also grateful to Mike Kilroy who has agreed to step in as Programme Content judge.”

The confirmed adjudication panel is:

Quality of Performance: Les Neish and Florent Didier 
Programme Content: Mike Kilroy 
Entertainment and Presentation: Duncan Stubbs and Derek Southcott
Soloists: Katrina Marzella

John Woods concluded: “Steve Sykes is just one of the many musicians featured in the celebration exhibition that takes place on the Sage Gateshead concourse from 17-24 November. Visitors should be sure to check out the vast collection of memorabilia including trophies, uniforms, programmes and photos from the past four decades of Brass in Concert, brought together for this special occasion by David Bennett.”

Woodfalls withdrawal 

BBW has also been informed by the organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship, that Woodfalls Band has withdrawn from the competition due to personnel issues. Speaking on behalf of Brass in Concert, John Woods commented: “Woodfalls has unfortunately found it necessary to withdraw from next Sunday’s contest due to recent unfortunate circumstances which have seen the band short of key players for the event. The Brass in Concert team was made aware of the matter at an early stage and, although sympathetic towards the band’s predicament, had already made provision for such instances within the contest’s rules, which allow for two deputy players per band and could not be extended beyond that.”

A spokesperson for Woodfalls commented: “We are extremely sad to say that we feel we have no option but to withdraw from the contest. This has been a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly. Brass in Concert is an event we are always proud to be part of and one that our players very much enjoy. It is important, however, for us to put on the best performance we can, both for our reputation and that of the contest. Due to these recent unfortunate circumstances, which have left us short of a key player/position, we do not believe we can do this.”

Woodfalls had been drawn to play number five in the contest. The schedules of the bands drawn after that will therefore be adjusted to suit. John Woods added: “A full day of action is still promised with a remaining line up of 11 bands. Play commences with Dublin Silver Band from the USA at 9.00am and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Brass in Concert Youth Brass 2000 (Chris Jeans) will give a Concourse concert at lunchtime.


Tickets for the World of Brass in Concert, featuring James Morrison and Black Dyke on Saturday 19th November are priced at £24.00, £18.00 and £10.00.

The Brass in Concert Championships on Sunday 20th November are priced at £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00, and are available from Sage Gateshead Box Office on 0191 443 4661 or www.sagegateshead.com

Photo: The Sage Gateshead - Home to Brass in Concert

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