An immersive week at the world's oldest Classical music festival
The sun (mainly!) shone and the festival site at Gloucester Cathedral buzzed with atmosphere and activity.
On Tuesday 25 July I gave a talk in the Chapter House on the life and work of vaccination pioneer Dr Edward Jenner - and how his life and work has been celebrated through music and words with The Jenner Project.
Wednesday 26 July saw the world premiere of ‘What the Lark Saw’, evolving from the outputs of Gloucestershire community groups and their facilitators, and performed by the Cheltenham Youth Choir, Cheltenham Children's Choir, Severnside Singers, children from Elmbridge Primary School, accompanied by an ensemble of 2 flutes, violin, guitar, harp and piano and conducted by Rachel Bowen. Such a fabulous project.
Friday 28 July I attended a supporter's reception and had the opportunity to meet many interesting people involved with this fabulous festival - and from a distance saw the actor Sam West (Siegfried from All Creatures Great and Small)!
Saturday 29 July I was back for a superb performance of 'Tide and Time' by Flowers Band conducted by Michael Fowles, a fantastic programme, again in the glorious surroundings of Gloucester Cathedral.
Many thanks to the Three Choirs Festival for inviting me and to everyone who played, sung, conducted, facilitated, supported, and listened! Looking forward already to going to Worcester next year!
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