Paul Mealor becomes Foden's President
Mark Wilkinson • May 4, 2023
Paul is one of the world’s most performed living composers who has won a BAFTA, Brit and Classic Brit Award for his work. He came to wider notice when his motet 'Ubi Caritas et Amor' was performed at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. He later composed the song ‘Wherever You Are’ which became the 2011 Christmas number one and the fastest selling single in chart history. As well as writing concerti and chamber music, Paul has also composed two operas, four symphonies as well as output for Brass Band including a Euphonium Concerto. In January 2018, he was appointed as an Officer of the Venerable Order of St John (OStJ) by HM Queen Elizabeth II and in March 2023 was promoted to Commander (CStJ) by HM King Charles III. Paul has recently been commissioned to write for the funeral services for the late Queen Elizabeth II and for the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with his work 'Coronation Kyrie' to be sung by Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel.
Band Chairman John Barber commented 'We are delighted that Paul has accepted our invitation to become the President of Foden's Band. We have long admired Paul's work and are delighted that as a composer celebrated the World over, he will be working with us to help develop future musical opportunities, programmes and initiatives.’
Speaking about his appointment Paul commented ‘I am honoured and delighted to have been invited to become Foden's President. They are truly one of the greatest ensembles in the world and have a history routed in our cultural heritage. I look forward very much to working with the band in the months and years ahead.'
Foden's are delighted to announce that they have entered into a partnership with 'The Little Percussion Company' TLPC was formed in 2022 by its founder, Tony Lucas who spent over 20 years at JAM Percussion, concentrating on products that are easy to obtain in the UK. Since forming a partnership with Adams Percussion, the band are delighted that TLPC have provided all cases / bags to protect these fantastic instruments! For further info about Adams and TLPC please visit https://www.tlperc.com/ https://www.adams-music.com/en/percussion
On Sunday 1st March Foden's competed at the 'North West Area' contest held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. The UK is split into various 'regions' and the top two placed bands at each regional contest is invited to represent their 'region' at the National Finals, held at the Royal Albert Hall London in October. . Foden's competed against 11 other bands performing the set test piece 'Elgar Variations' by Martin Ellerby, being subsequently announced as the Champions for the tenth consecutive year also winning the prize for the best Principal Cornet Test piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby) Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs; Gavin Saynor 1. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 2. KNDS Fairey (Phil Chalk)* 3. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Thomas Wyss) 4. Freckleton (John Atkinson) 5. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 6. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 7. Wardle Anderson Brass (Jamie Cooper) 8. Boarshurst Silver (Martyn Evans) 9. Rainford (Adam DJ Taylor) 10. Whitworth Vale & Healey (Mike Golding) 11. Acceler8 (Jef Sparkes) Best Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's) *Qualify for National Final
Last weekend saw Foden's make a welcome return to Burton Town Hall, where they were delighted to mark a very special milestone. During the concert, a presentation was made to their outstanding and every-loyal Solo Trombone, John Barber, in recognition of his remarkable 30 years of dedicated service to Foden's!
All at Foden's are delighted that Howard Snell has accepted their offer to become an 'Honorary Vice President' of the band. Howard needs no introduction to the world of brass bands — or indeed to the wider musical community. His distinguished career as a conductor, performer and educator has left an indelible mark on the brass band movement, both nationally and internationally. He is, of course, a very special figure in the history of Foden’s Band. His leadership and musical influence during his time with the Band contributed significantly to their artistic development and success, and his continued association with Foden’s is something held in the highest regard.
Following last years success, Foden's are delighted to have been re booked by the 'Wychavon Festival of Brass' to lead another event on the 23rd May. Led by Principal players under the direction of Michael Fowles, the session is available to brass and percussionists aged 10-18 who are around grade 5 standard (or above) 23rd May 2026 10am - 2pm FREE!!!!
Following the band's appearance at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival in January, Foden's are delighted that BBC Radio 3 will once again broadcast highlights of the concert on their 'Classical Live' show. MONDAY 16TH FEBRUARY Programme will include Philip Littlemore revised version of Edmund Rubbra's 'Variations on the Shining River'. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002r45m TUESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY Programme with feature Paul Hindmarsh's arrangement of Benjamin Britten's 'Prelude & Courtly Dances' https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002r484 WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY Piece tba! https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002r4f4
On the 3rd May Foden's look forward to travelling to Norwich as guests of the 'East Anglian Brass Band Association.' .Prior to the concert, Bass Trombonist Shaun Farrington will lead a Trombone workshop. CONCERT DATE - Sunday 3rd May - 3.30pm VENUE - The Citadel, 34-36 St Giles St, Norwich TICKETS - administration@eabba.org.uk OR https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/east- anglian-brass-band ... WORKSHOP DATE - Sunday 3rd May - 10.30am - 12pm VENUE - St Faiths Centre, Manor Rd, Horsham St Faith ENROLMENT - administration@eabba.org.uk
Foden's opening concert of the 2026 'RNCM International Brass Band Festival' is now available to watch via wobplay.com Conducted by Michael Fowles, their programme opened with 'A Fanfare of Bells' by Herman Pallhuber, followed by Claire Cope's world premiere of 'The Green Chapel' before joining forces with the fantastic Bones Apart Trombone Quartet. To end the first half they gave the English premier of 'Tranquil Abiding' from the pen of President Paul Mealor. The Second half included Britten's 'Prelude and Courtley Dances' from 'Gloriana' arranged by Paul Hindmarsh, Philip Littlemore's re-scored version of Edmund Rubbra's 'Variations on the Shining River' before closing with Philip Sparke's 'Partita.' The concert was also recorded by BBC Radio 3, broadcast dates will be advertised when known.
The 'RNCM International Brass Band Festival' saw a presentation to long serving member Andy Rolfe who leaves Foden's after 19 years service. During this time Andy has been an active part of the band's management team and takes up a role as Trustee. Due to Andy leaving on 3rd cornet there has been some movement on the back row with the experienced Adrian Lacey joining on 2nd cornet. Adrian was a long serving member of the Staffordshire Building Society Band where he played Principal Cornet for 10 years followed by a spell at Grimethorpe on Solo Cornet. Following the departure of 'bumper up' Paul McDonald in December, the RNCM concert also saw Jon Probert move up to this position from solo cornet with Darcie Dewhurst joining on the front row. Darcie joins from Blackburn and Darwen where she was Principal Cornet as well as being solo cornet with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain , Principal Cornet with Lancashire Youth Band and studying at the RNCM under the guidance of Roger Webster. Speaking about the changes Mark Wilkinson commented 'We would like to thank Andy for his impeccable service and commitment during the past 19 years and wish him well in his retirement from full time banding and work. We are delighted to announce the signing of Adrian who also brings further experience to the section. I have been an admirer of Darcie's playing for a number of years and thrilled she has accepted our invitation to join.'
On Friday 23rd January Foden's once again opened the prestigious '2026 International Brass Band Festival' at the Royal Northern College of Music. The RNCM International Brass Band Festival remains a premier stage for the world’s leading brass band musicians, celebrating the finest repertoire crafted for the genre. Under the artistic direction of Dr David Thornton, the festival once again embraced both innovative new compositions and celebrated legacy works, a commitment that resonated throughout this year’s programme. A highlight of the 2026 festival was the celebration of Philip Sparke's 75th birthday, an award-winning English composer who has made a profound impact on the wind and brass repertoire. The Festival also welcomed the Concord Brass Band from Denmark, as well as Foden's , Black Dyke, Tredegar, Brighouse and Rastrick, Cory, RNCM Band, RNCM Junior School Band and Yorkshire Youth Band Foden's Programme Hermann Pallhuber A Fanfare of Bells Claire Cope The Green Chapel* (IBBF commission and world premiere) Paul Mealor Tranquil Abiding Benjamin Britten arr Paul Hindmarsh Prelude and Courtly Dances from Gloriana Edmund Rubbra Variations on the Shining River (world premiere of a newly re-scored version by Phillip Littlemore) Philip Sparke Partita Performers Michael Fowles conductor Bones Apart Trombone Quartet* Foden’s Band 4Barsrest concert review - https://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con889.asp
