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.

After a sellout event last year, Youth Brass in Concert is back – and it’s sure to be bigger and bolder!
Join us the day after the 48th Brass in Concert Championship to witness seven of the UK’s best youth bands compete for the prestigious title of Youth Brass in Concert Champions. Expect a level of creative programming and musical calibre which proves that the future of brass banding is in seriously good hands.
Celebration and passion lie at the heart of the show, so whether you’re a seasoned brass fan or new to the scene, you do not want to miss this day.

The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference offers guests interested in music education an array of clinics and exhibits, as well as access to music and teaching icons. The conference will also focus on industry trends and future topics in business and music education. With more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, The Midwest Clinic offers music educators and musicians alike an unmatched networking opportunity.