The story of Britain's first martyred saint receives a second performance at St Albans Cathedral
At 45 minutes, The Story of St Alban is my longest commissioned work and last night it received an excellent and moving second performance at the home of St Alban himself, the magnificent St Albans Cathedral. The actual story of St Alban is less well known but he was Britain’s first martyred saint. It is somewhat gruesome in places but brilliantly told by lyricist Andy Rashleigh. The work ends with a setting of The Alban Prayer. At that moment during the performance last night, the fabulous medieval wall painting of St Alban and St Amphibalus was lit up, a wonderful moment of bringing together music, visual and aesthetic.
Many thanks to St Albans Choral Society, ensemble Orchestra Nova, school choirs from St Albans High and City Schools, narrator Carl Heap, baritone Michael Burke and conductor George Vass for a memorable evening.
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.
'Landscapes' and 'Shadow cast by the sun' from 'Rhythm of Light', recorded by Hepworth Band and conducted by Ryan Watkins, will be broadcast on Radio 3 Sunday 29 June. 'Rhythm of Light' was commissioned in 2021 to celebrate the life and work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth.
'Landscapes' and 'Shadow cast by the sun' from 'Rhythm of Light', recorded by Hepworth Band and conducted by Ryan Watkins, will be broadcast on Radio 3 Sunday 29 June. 'Rhythm of Light' was commissioned in 2021 to celebrate the life and work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth.

Community Music Recital | refreshments served, retiring collection for Staines Salvation Army


Katrina Marzella conducts the Brass Band Vorarlberg
In February 2026, the Brass Band Vorarlberg will make a powerful statement: the stage belongs to female composers. Under the direction of Katrina Marzella and Benjamin Markl, works celebrating the broad spectrum of female creativity will be performed.
Alongside Benjamin Markl, guest conductor Katrina Marzella will lead the Brass Band Vorarlberg, shaping an evening of music that shines a spotlight on the distinctive styles of women. Katrina Marzella is one of Europe's most sought-after conductors.
She is a driving force in the brass scene, was the first woman to conduct the European Brass Band Championships in 2025, and is the principal conductor of the Cooperation Band in Glasgow.


Katrina Marzella conducts the Brass Band Vorarlberg
In February 2026, the Brass Band Vorarlberg will make a powerful statement: the stage belongs to female composers. Under the direction of Katrina Marzella and Benjamin Markl, works celebrating the broad spectrum of female creativity will be performed.
Alongside Benjamin Markl, guest conductor Katrina Marzella will lead the Brass Band Vorarlberg, shaping an evening of music that shines a spotlight on the distinctive styles of women. Katrina Marzella is one of Europe's most sought-after conductors.
She is a driving force in the brass scene, was the first woman to conduct the European Brass Band Championships in 2025, and is the principal conductor of the Cooperation Band in Glasgow.