What is Brass in Concert?
A Beginner’s Guide to Brass in Concert
Brass in Concert is a major brass band entertainment contest, featuring some of the best bands in the world. It’s a powerhouse showcase of modern brass banding with showstopping programmes, world premieres and theatrical elements, as each band tries to outdo each other for the title.
If you’ve never been to a brass band event before, this is a hot ticket that really gives you a flavour of what modern brass bands are capable of, away from the stuffy, flat-cap stereotypes portrayed in the public eye. Whether you’re a firm brass band fan or a newbie, it’s a stellar weekend of entertainment held at the Glasshouse in Gateshead.
What is the Brass in Concert Championships?
Eleven world-class bands from the UK and Europe battle it out onstage at the Glasshouse in Gateshead. Each performs a show-stopping 20-minute programme based on their chosen theme. You can expect electric musical performances by some of the best brass musicians in the country, but, as they are all top-flight bands, their standard of playing isn’t going to be the only factor that will separate the winners from the rest of the table. They have to level up their programme using various entertaining elements. Some choose to include media presentations and narration; others use actors, dancers or singers; some use the power of costuming and choreography. One thing is for certain: no two programmes are the same.
How does Brass in Concert Work?
Each of the eleven bands is assigned a draw number, which will dictate the order the bands will perform across the day. Each band performs a 20-minute programme that is adjudicated by a panel of judges. Unlike traditional brass band contests that have strict rules in terms of instrumentation, performance and presentation, with Brass in Concert, the gloves are off, and bands are allowed to incorporate whatever they like (within reason!) into their performance. The goal is to entertain.
What makes Brass in Concert different from a traditional brass band contest?
Most traditional brass band contests rely on the performance of ‘test pieces’, a major work that is either chosen by the band or a test piece panel. Bands will then compete by playing this test piece. Those contests value the standard of musical performance alone.
In contrast, Brass in Concert is all about entertainment, as well as offering a high-standard musical performance. Simply taking to the stage and playing an accurate 20-minute performance is not enough. They need to go the extra mile to put on a performance that is of a high musical standard and contains enough entertaining elements to outdo other competitors.
Traditional Test Piece Contest | Brass in Concert |
|---|---|
Centres around a test piece | Centres on a 20-minute entertaining programme |
Musical interpretation and standard of performance are the most crucial factors | Musical quality and overall entertainment both matter |
Typically a more conventional contest presentation - bands simply sit in band formation on a stage and perform | Greater scope for creative presentation and programme design to feature non-standard setups, choreography and inclusion of non-banding elements, such as dancers, actors, narration etc. |
What will you see and hear at Brass in Concert?
An easier question to answer would be: what won’t you see and hear? The variety across all eleven performances is vast. Bands can take their inspiration and theming from anywhere! Past themes have included stories from books and film, historical events, a celebration of a band’s local culture, and even celebrating banding itself.
A few factors that will always be on offer are:
Top-quality professional performances
Impressive soloists and virtuosic playing
Recognisable themes and melodies
Being introduced to original brass band music
World premieres from renowned composers
Creative staging, lighting and other theatrical elements
How are Brass in Concert Performances Judged?
As well as entertaining the sell-out crowd at the Glasshouse, bands need to impress a panel of judges that each score a particular element of the performance, including:
Quality of performance
Best instrumentalists and sections
Programme, performance and entertainment
The panel usually brings together respected names from both inside the banding community and within the wider musical world.
Do You Need to Know Anything About Brass Bands to Brass in Concert?
Whether you know your cornets from your euphoniums or you just enjoy great entertainment, you will love Brass in Concert. It is one of the most accessible brass banding events, with no requirement for the audience to know anything about the brass band world or repertoire. You will leave the event with a good idea of what the modern banding scene actually looks and sounds like though!
Is Brass in Concert Worth Attending?
ABSOLUTELY YES! If you are a music fan (regardless of genre), if you love entertainment and you want to watch an event that will make you feel a range of emotions, you need to go to Brass in Concert. There is a reason it sells out every single year. Brass band musicians, brass band fans, and non-banding folk alike love it.
Missed out on a ticket? Follow @BrassinConcert and @ItsNotaTrumpet on social media to know when tickets go live for the 2027 event. It is not one to be missed.
Find out more about the brass band world
I’ve been a bander for over 20 years, and I’m passionate about the world learning more about the vibrant, talented, community-led world of brass banding. That’s why I developed the ‘guides’ section on the It’s Not a Trumpet website. If you want to find out more about the world of brass bands, our contests and how it all works, explore my Brass Band Guides.
Brass in Concert | Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brass in Concert a competition?
Yes. Bands perform entertainment programmes that are judged by a panel of adjudicators. There are prizes for the top 6 placings, as well as individual prizes for best programmes, best pieces and best soloists.
Where is Brass in Concert held?
Brass in Concert is held at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. It’s usually held on the second weekend in November, with the main championship taking place on the Saturday and the Youth Championships taking place on the Sunday.
How long does Brass in Concert last?
The main championships start at 11am on the Saturday and goes on all day until the results ceremony, which is usually around 8pm. The Youth Championships start at 12pm on the Sunday and typically concludes at around 5pm.
What is the difference between Brass in Concert and the British Open?
Whilst both events attract the best bands in the world, there are a few key differences. The first is that Brass in Concert is an entertainment concert with bands playing a 20-minute programme. The British Open is a set test piece contest where all bands perform the same major work chosen by a panel. Band participating in Brass in Concert are invited by the event’s organisers, whereas in the British Open, bands earn their spot in the competition by winning the event’s ‘feeder’ contest, The Grand Shield.
Can beginners enjoy Brass in Concert?
Absolutely. It’s a key event in the calendars of both brass band musicians and non-banding audience members.
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