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.
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.

Mozart Requiem, Lane Sussex Stories and Hurd Swingin' Samson

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