Connections around the world from New Zealand to Australia, Canada and the USA - and a special performance next year in the Netherlands.
I recently completed an exciting commission for the first Youth Division Contest at WMC Kerkrade - the music is called Connections. I love the design on the front which is all about phone connections around the world.
And I realised today how far around the world my music has travelled this year - starting in the USA in February with the University of Florida Brass Band playing my Hymn to the Cross. Then to New Zealand with Wellington Brass and David Bremner performing Silver Rose in April. Back to the USA in August for a USA premiere of Three Trinities for organ by Carson Cooman and on to Australia where Victoria Park Band are playing three pieces next weekend (13 September) - Hymn to the Cross, Robin Robin and Serenata. On to Canada for a performance of Rhythm of Light by Laurier Brass Ensemble at Wilfrid Laurier University in November and finally to the USA in December where the Brass Band of Louisville will play Shadow cast by the sun from 'Rhythm of Light' at the 79th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago.
My grateful thanks to all. Now if only I could fly quickly how I'd love to get to all those places!
Brand new wind band arrangement of 'Serenata' premiered by The Bands of HM Royal Marines (Collingwood) in Portsmouth.
Brand new wind band arrangement of 'Serenata' premiered by The Bands of HM Royal Marines (Collingwood) in Portsmouth.
Serenata recording by Grimethorpe and Jack Stamp featured again on BBC Radio 3's Sunday breakfast show
Serenata recording by Grimethorpe and Jack Stamp featured again on BBC Radio 3's Sunday breakfast show
Connections around the world from New Zealand to Australia, Canada and the USA - and a special performance next year in the Netherlands.
Connections around the world from New Zealand to Australia, Canada and the USA - and a special performance next year in the Netherlands.
![Serenata [world premiere in the wind band version] | The Royal Marines Band](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5cb49828bba38cfab910a45a/697113ac122b7add512bab2f_Screenshot%202026-01-21%20175249.png)
The Royal Marines Band Service
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Part of the The Portsmouth Concert Season 2025-2026 collection
Portsmouth Grammar School, Portsmouth, England
Thursday, Feb 26 from 7:30 pm to 9:45 pm GMT
Overview
Join us for a spectacular evening of music and entertainment from the world famous Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines.
The Royal Marines Band Service returns to venues across Portsmouth for another exciting year of world-class music and entertainment. For more than 25 years the Portsmouth Concert Season has brought together the best of the Band Service with the Concert Band, soloists, singers, pianists, string orchestras and the unbeatable Corps of Drums. This year will be bigger and better than ever before, plus we’ll be taking you behind the scenes of the prestigious and internationally recognised Bandmasters Training programme, where talented musicians become the great conductors of the future. Be part of this exciting journey and experience beautiful music and unforgettable entertainment from some of the finest military musicians in the country.

Folk tales, myth and legend | Cumnor House Community Day, 3pm

Some of the best brass musicians in the world, at the peak of their powers, each presenting a programme of contemporary and traditional repertoire, along with major solo works, effortlessly linked by the inimitable Frank Renton.
Each band will be encouraged to present themselves in their best possible light, playing to their strengths and free of the stresses and strains of contesting.
The bands are:
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band: 10:30-11:15
Willebroek: 12:00-13:15
Black Dyke Band: 14:00-15:15pm
David Childs Solo Recital: 16:00-16:45
Flowers Band: 17:30-18:45
Foden's Band: 19:30-20:45