2011 News Archive

18th December 2011 - Barbican Brass TV Tuba

Barbican Brass Tuba player Dave Kendall tonight featured on 'Odd One In' hosted by Bradley Walsh on ITV1. Playing Christmas Carols whilst others mimed alongside, the panel consisting of Peter Andre, Jason Manford, Carol Vorderman and Mark Watson successfully picked out Dave as the person with the unusual skill. Visit http://www.itv.com/entertainment/oddonein/ to watch it.

3rd December 2011 - Made In Chelsea

Barbican Brass with Jamie Laing during the filming of the 'Made In Chelsea' Christmas Special at Skinners' Hall in London. To be aired on E4 on 22nd December at 9pm the Group provided some Christmas Carols to get everyone in the Christmas spirit! Watch the video.

26th November 2011 - Barbican Brass on TV

We are pleased to announce that the Group will be performing on E4s Made in Chelsea. More details to follow....

http://www.e4.com/chelsea/

6th July 2011 - 30 Second Interviews - 4 Dave Kendall - Tuba

Dave, what have you been doing recently?

Over the last couple of months I’ve been enjoying quite a variety of work; from world premiere performances of ‘The Most Incredible Thing’ a ballet by the Pet Shop Boys based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and touring with the Heritage Orchestra & Tim Minchin, to more conventional orchestral work with the London Philharmonic and Birmingham Royal Ballet. I’ve also been making the occasional West End appearance in ‘Chicago’ at the Cambridge Theatre and entertaining the members at the Marylebone Cricket Club with performances at Lords.


 
How is life as a freelancer at the moment?

It’s always difficult making a living freelancing and especially as a tuba player. Even more so now with the tough times we’re all facing at the moment – even guys holding down big orchestral jobs aren’t always working very much. But there is work out there and the key is to make hay while the sun shines. Things have been going reasonably well for me of late so, I can’t complain!



And what’s next on the horizon?

Next for me is more of the same really. I’m off to Birmingham for some performances of Leo Delibes ‘Coppelia’ with Birmingham Royal Ballet, then to Cardiff for Ravel’s ‘Daphnis & Chloe’ with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.



Finally, what have you been up to away from the Tuba?

After a recent move I’m keeping busy settling in to a new house, dealing with all that it entails. I’m also enjoying playing football once or twice a week and desperately trying to get a bit fitter!

14th June 2011 - 30 Second Interviews - 3 Chris Evans - Trumpet

Chris, what have you been doing recently?

I’ve been playing with the London Symphony Orchestra in some recording sessions, performing with the London Contemporary Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall with the 70's singer 'Donovan', performing with the Philharmonia Orchestra in a variety of venue's in Britain and also being involved in their recent Mahler cycle conducted by Loren Marzel. As you can imagine this can get tiring but I really enjoy the contrast between the different orchestras.



How is life as a freelancer at the moment?

As a freelance trumpet player life can vary quite a lot in terms of schedule. I often find myself travelling to venues hundreds of miles away from each other with different ensembles at very unsociable hours, but the variety of playing and social atmosphere always makes this worthwhile. It is obviously necessary to be able to perform on any position within the trumpet section and be very versatile, especially in this economic climate, which has definitely effected repertoire choice of some orchestra's, sometimes culminating in less players being needed in certain pieces.



And what’s next on the horizon?

As the summer is getting closer, work is being focussed more towards the music festivals, and future engagements include: Brandenburg Sinfonia and other regional orchestras such as Bath, Guildford and some brass chamber concert's in Norwich and Essex. I am also working with the Aurora orchestra which has recently won the 2011 Royal Philharmonic Society Ensemble award for its promotion of new music and versatility, which I very much agree with.



Finally, what have you been up to away from playing the Trumpet?

Beside from playing the trumpet I am also interested in wine, and myself and Steve often compare notes on recently purchased bottles that we have tasted. I am also restoring a wooden boat, which I would like to spend more time on, but the trumpet always seems to have priority. At some point I would also like to invest in property and hopefully try and renovate a house or flat.

5th June 2011 - 30 Second Interviews - 2 Steve Haynes - Trombone

Steve, what have you been doing recently?

My schedule has been really enjoyable over the past few weeks. I’ve been ‘moonlighting’ with several other brass quintets (which I should probably keep quiet!), and I’ve been into the shows I ‘dep’ on in the West End; Chicago, Legally Blonde and Wizard of Oz. I also covered a few days on Ghost which opens in London later this month (which incidentally is a really good show; I may even go and see it from the audience!). It’s further testament to the quality of British theatre at the moment (along with Betty Blue Eyes and Matilda). Last week I did a film night at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra which was great fun and then I flew to the Isle of Man to accompany Alfie Boe (and got his autograph for my Mum!).



How is life as a freelancer at the moment?

Good! I love freelancing! I like not having to get involved in any politics and the variety of my work makes it really interesting. Many musicians are naturally concerned about the impact of the recession but I guess as an industry we are no different to any other walk of life; it seems to me that everyone has to work harder for their money at the moment. I certainly find myself having to be as versatile as possible; going from pop to orchestral at a days notice or from a big band to brass quintet, I think it is a skill we all need these days.



And what’s next on the horizon?

Next week I’m playing for Cardiff Singer of the World with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and then going away with the BBC Concert Orchestra; both of which will be very enjoyable. I have a few dates accompanying Russell Watson and Katherine Jenkins with the National Symphony Orchestra and then I’m in New York for three weeks with the Royal Shakespeare Company.



Finally, what have you been up to away from playing the Trombone?

I sometimes do some reporting for the Brass Herald and I covered a story recently which I’m not sure I’m allowed to talk about yet! It’s a recording that’s coming out later in the year of a ten piece incorporating some of the most amazing brass players in London. I’ll give you some names to whet your appetite but then you’ll have to keep an eye on the Brass Herald I’m afraid! Mike Lovatt, Andy Wood, Matt Gee, Roger Argente, Kevin Morgan, Jim Lynch and Barbican Brass’ very own Phil Cobb. The playing is stunning!



Away from music altogether, last year I got a distinction in my Wines and Spirits Education Trust level 2 diploma (it’s a big hobby!) so next year I might try for the level 3!

15th May 2011 - 30 Second Interviews - 1 Andy Littlemore - French Horn

Andy, how’s life at Opera North?

Life at Opera North is fantastic. We are just about to start our tour this season in Manchester followed by Nottingham and then the sage in Gateshead. We are playing Carmen which we have been doing since Christmas. Fidelio is going down very well with the audiences and the Janacek 'From The House Of The Dead' is fantastic. It's great to play something in the Opera that uses big forces. We are just about to start Rheingold rehearsals which will be great. We are performing them as semi-staged productions in Leeds, Gateshead and Birmingham. All in all very busy!



Are you working anywhere else at the moment?

I am going back in with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to record Dvorak 9 in a few weeks. I have a recital coming up in Dorset in mid June so working hard towards that. I haven't been able to do dates that RPO have offered but hopefully I'll be able to make something work soon.



What have you been up to away from the French Horn?

Aside from playing the horn I have been cycling and walking quite a lot making the most of the lovely weather sampling ale wherever I go!!

21st April 2011 - 30 Second Interviews

Check out the News section of the site over the next few weeks for a 30 second interview with each of the Barbican Brass members. Find out what we have been doing, what’s on the horizon and all the gossip behind the scenes! First up; French Horn, Andy Littlemore tells us about life at Opera North...