Martyn Brabbins focuses a far and wide approach with a musical eye to an immediate future closer to home for the stars of tomorrow. Although the musical vistas for this concert stretched far and wide, you suspect it also had a focus on a much closer horizon. With the 2025 Proms in full flow a stone’s throw away at the Royal Albert Hall, Martyn Brabbins gave an eloquent poke in the ribs reminder to Radio 3 supremo Sam Jackson and his BBC apparatchiks of just what this particular ensemble could bring to the annual celebration of musical excellence.

The NYBBGB is proud to announce Angus Ritchie (euphonium) as the winner of The 2025 Harry Mortimer Award, following a stunning performance of ‘Ziebekikos’ from Philip Wilby’s Euphonium Concerto and ‘Harlequin’ by Philip Sparke. Many congratulations to Angus! The prestigious Harry Mortimer Award recognises individual musical excellence within the Band. Eight outstanding finalists were the section winners from the Katie Ogden Solo Competition, held during the Youth Band Easter Course at Pangbourne College in April. Each emerged as the top performer on their instrument in their sectional heats and advanced to compete for the coveted Harry Mortimer Award during our summer course at Oundle School.

Youthful talent showcases the best of the real American dream in Northampton. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who coined the phrase that the future belonged to those who believed in the beauty of their dreams. However, the longest serving First Lady of the USA was not someone prone to fridge magnet aphorisms or self-help car bumper stickers. An imposing figure in times of war and peace, she was as pioneering as she was inspirational, her words backed by the substance of her actions. Her philosophy was fully embraced by the 56 young performers led by Dr David Thornton in providing a remarkably mature endorsement of the musical mission statement that now also drives the NYBBGB organisation as a whole.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is proud to announce its fourth annual Ambassador Ensemble Tour, taking place this summer in Bradford, in celebration of the city’s designation as UK City of Culture 2025. Running from Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July 2025, the tour featured performances and educational workshops by The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble — a 15-member ensemble of the UK’s most talented young brass and percussion musicians. As the UK’s leading brass band charity for children and young people, The NYBBGB aims to inspire the next generation of musicians through performance, mentorship and interactive learning.This year’s tour was delivered in partnership with the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) and Bradford Music & Arts Service, with a focus on reaching young students across the city.