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!
Talking about my compositional journey and musical projects with Adrian Chiles and fellow guests Bear Grylls and Chris Roberts 'The Flamebaster'
Talking about my compositional journey and musical projects with Adrian Chiles and fellow guests Bear Grylls and Chris Roberts 'The Flamebaster'
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

There's nothing as glorious as the sound of a brass band, the close harmony of a barbershop chorus, or the uplifting power of a church organ. This concert promises to deliver it all!
Featuring the Brass Band of Central England, the Silver Lining Chorus, with a special performance of The Finale from Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony for brass band and organ, with special guest Organist Rachel Mahon (as featured at the BBC Proms).

Lydbrook’s Heritage in Music and Words
Join the award-winning Lydbrook Band for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the rich history, culture, and community spirit of this Forest of Dean village.
This spectacular heritage concert weaves together a captivating spoken narration of Lydbrook’s past with powerful, evocative brass music. It is a true celebration of local identity, charting the journey of the valley from its industrial roots to the vibrant community it is today.
Featuring World-Class Homegrown Talent
We are thrilled to welcome home a true local star as our guest soloist. Jack Lythaby, a Lydbrook native and the phenomenal Principal Horn for the world-famous Tredegar Band, will take the stage to deliver a breathtaking solo performance.
Don't miss this unique afternoon of music, memory, and local pride. Bring your family, support your local band, and experience the history of Lydbrook like never before!

The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference is the world's largest instrumental music education conference, annually drawing approximately 17,000 attendees to Chicago from all 50 states and as many as forty countries.
The Midwest Clinic annual conference offers engaging learning opportunities for high school students, college music majors, new teachers, veteran teachers, and music administrators. Attendees may choose from 100+ clinics presented by leaders in the profession, aimed at teaching specific instruments or sections, conducting and rehearsal techniques, administering a music program, developing strategies for recruitment and retention, strengthening strategies for music advocacy, teaching improvisation and composition, and implementing technology. Two cornerstones of the conference are the Reading Sessions, that highlight new music publications, and the Rehearsal Labs, that demonstrate best teaching practices.Throughout the conference, Performances are presented by a variety of musical groups from around the world, including: string orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles, jazz ensembles or combos, and a variety of chamber groups. Musicians in these ensembles range from elementary, middle, and high school students, college and university students, adult community organizations, professional musicians, and the premiere performers of The United States Military.