Brass Matters with John Wallace

In this inspirational conversation, recorded in July 2025, John Wallace is joined by Tony George to discuss the prolific Derek Bourgeois, their recording of his Concerto for Brass Quintet and Brass Band and why his fantastic music is not better known. Listen along to the recording with John and Tony while you follow the score. Also not to be missed are their memories of The Wallace Collection's adventures in Ukraine and the night train to Kiev!The Concerto for Quintet and Brass Band features on the 'As above, So Below' album available at:https://thewallacecollectionshop.world/product/as-above-so-below-album-audio-download/Watch this episode on the Wallace Collection Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/cypWjGuY0Ew

In this bonus episode delve deeper into John Wallace's song cycle The Centre of Things. Recorded at his home back in May, John is joined by Armenian pianist Marianna Abrahamyan and trumpeter Bede Williams to discuss the recording and piece, as well as song cycle instrumental norms, composing with (or without) instrumental and performer constraints.As a special Christmas bonus there is a FREE download of the entire The Centre of Things album until the end of Sunday 5th January. Please go to the following link to enjoy your gift, Merry Christmas!https://thewallacecollectionshop.world/product/the-centre-of-things-album-audio-download/Find Marianna's research work and follow her performance and lecture dates at her website: https://www.mariannaabrahamyan.com/You can see and hear more of Bede's work on the Music from St Andrews YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@MusicfromStAndrewsSubscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWallaceCollection-Ensemble

Jamie MacDougall (tenor) and Bede Williams (trumpet) join John Wallace to discuss The Centre of Things - John's song cycle inspired by the poets of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Watch this space for another instalment with The Centre of Things pianist Marianna Abrahamyan.Listen to the complete song cycle and access more recordings from the Wallace Collection at:https://thewallacecollection.world/Subscribe to our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWallaceCollection-Ensemble

Errollyn Wallen, Master of the King’s Music and composer of 23 operas, joins Tony George and John Wallace to talk about her affinity for brass instruments and their players, extending all the way from her brother, the jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen through euphonium player David Childs and bass trombonist Angus Butt to the Parc and Dare Band and Bollywood Brass. https://www.thewallacecollection.worldYou can also watch Brass Matters on the Wallace Collection Youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWallaceCollection-Ensemble

This week Bede Williams and Tony George join John Wallace to excavate a work they believe has lain hidden in plain sight since 1615: an invisible symphony. Hear it live on Sunday 24th August!: (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wallace-collection-at-stockbridge-music-hub-tickets-1442387282189?aff=oddtdtcreator)

This week on Brass Matters: works for brass quintet that have gone hidden for a century and a half -- with Sandy Coffin and Tony George.Find out more at: https://www.thewallacecollection.world

This week John, accompanied by Bede Williams, talks with Jay Capparauld about the background and recording of his modern masterpiece, "As Above, So Below".Find out more about this 2025 release, part of a 'Triple Whammy' of recordings made available in digital format to purchase and stream: https://www.thewallacecollection.world/triple

When John Wallace started his First Symphony in 1974, he'd no idea the piece would only be completed, and recorded, in 2024. Celebrating its release, he talks with Bede Williams, who conducted on the recording--and they discuss the genesis, long gestation and recent recording of the piece--as well as Brass Banding, New Zealand, and whether long-term creative projects are worth the effort!Find out more about his 2025 release, part of a 'Triple Whammy' of recordings to be made available in digital format to purchase and stream: https://www.thewallacecollection.world/triple

John Wallace first met John Miller in the Tullis Russell Mills Junior Band in the mid-1950's—kicking off a lifelong rivalry and partnership. In this episode they recall everything from their first time hearing one another play: along with band contesting, bastard conductors, and recording Britain's first CDs. But it's not all about the past: they also introduce their new world premiere recordings of trumpet duets by Robin Holloway, Louis Antoine Saint-Jacome, and Jean-François Bellon released today--musical discoveries that are well worth a listen!Listen to these world premiere recordings right now at: ⁠https://thewallacecollectionshop.worldJohn Miller's book The Modern Brass Ensemble in 20th Century Britain: https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781783277346/the-modern-brass-ensemble-in-twentieth-century-britain/Subscribe to our youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9i2Yb3MrEVtme11Lbs9UZw