So Matsukawa teams up with Foden's
October 15, 2024
Following on from his recent victory at this year's Brass Band Conductors' Association's (BBCA’s) flagship Conducting Competition, So Matsukawa has gone on to claim his prize of a unique opportunity to rehearse and conduct a championship band.
Working with Foden's band and mentored by Russell Gray, So prepared the band for a concert at London’s Regent Hall in London on the eve of the National Brass Band Championships.
So, who hails from Japan gave this account of his experience:
“I have been waiting for this award winner’s concert since I received the award in June! I never thought I would be able to play music with the top band that I had only heard on CD, and in the UK. But it wasn't just the concert that was truly precious this time. The 10 days I spent with them were all gems. I shared every moment of Russell conducting Foden's until the National Championships.
I have really admired the sound of British brass bands since I played the tuba in junior high school. Among them, "Harrison's Dream" was one of my favourite pieces. This year, the piece is the test piece for the first time in 24 years! I felt, what a blessing! I have enjoyed "Harrison's Dream" many times in these 10 days! And with the sound of the super brass band, Foden's.
I conducted two pieces at the Regent Hall concert the day before the National Championships. The pieces were "The Roots of Heaven" by Malcolm Arnold arr. Neil E Richmond and "With Fire and Sword" by Peter Graham.
From the first rehearsal, Foden’s welcomed me like family and immediately picked up on my music. But those two songs were not the only ones that moved me. They performed hymns as a routine before rehearsals. I was moved, this is a British brass band! I was originally planning to play only one hymn before the rehearsal, but I was so moved that I added another one on the spot.”
On Saturday 12th September, Foden's travelled to the Symphony Hall, Birmingham to compete at the 172nd British Open Championships. The 'Open' is regarded as one of the leading Brass Band Contests in the World which attracts an extremely strong line up of bands including some overseas guests. This year, 19 bands all performed the set work 'Music of the Spheres' by Philip Sparke. This exceptionally difficult work placed demanding challenges on all band members lasting 18 minutes. Despite these challenges, the work proved a popular choice amongst those competing and the 2000 plus audience. Following the announcement of the results Foden's were crowned the British Open Champions (and now receive an invitation to represent England at the European Championships in Birmingham in 2028) as well as receiving individual awards for the best Soprano and Cornet. Test Piece: Music of the Spheres (Philip Sparke) Adjudicators: Martyn Brabbins, Arsené Duc, David Hirst 1. Foden's (Russell Gray)* 2. Brass Band Willebroek (Frans Violet) 3. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) 4. Sydney City Brass (Jason Katsikaris) 5. Leyland (Daniel Brooks) 6. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins) 7. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) 8. Aldbourne (Glyn Williams) 9. Black Dyke (Prof. Nicholas Childs) 10. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Glenn Van Looy) 11. Milnrow (Christopher Binns) 12. Flowers (Paul Holland) 13. Cory (Philip Harper) 14. KNDS Fairey (Philip Chalk) 15. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths) 16. the cooperation band (Katrina Marzella-Wheeler) 17. Grimethorpe Colliery (Allan Withington) 18. Amersham (Paul Fisher)** 19. EverReady (David Morton)** *Invitation to represent England at the 2028 European Championship. ** Relegated to 2027 Grand Shield Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy: Andy Moore (horn) — Brighouse & Rastrick Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano: Richard Poole (Foden's) The Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy for Best Euphonium: Kevin van Giel (Brass Band Willebroek) Phillip McCann Trophy for Best Cornet: Mark Wilkinson (Foden's)
Ahead of the British Open Contest, Foden's are looking forward to welcoming you to an Open Rehearsal featuring this year’s test piece, Music of the Spheres, from the pen of Philip Sparke. (Please note the rehearsal is NOT at Sandbach Boys School where the band usually hold rehearsals / concerts) Thursday 10th September 7.30pm Sandbach High School, Middlewich Rd, Sandbach, CW11 3NT Free entrance Come along and hear the band put the finishing touches to our performance ahead of the British Open!
Back in May, the band returned to the recording studio for two exciting projects, both set to be released later this year! Michael Fowles recently visited 'World of Brass' to put the final editing touches in place, bringing these projects one step closer to release. More information will be revealed shortly… watch this space!
Foden's would like to thank everyone who came and supported their concert on Saturday in the fantastic St John’s Church, Buxton. A large and incredibly receptive audience made for a brilliant evening of music and a great atmosphere. The band also enjoyed performing to a large number of players from local bands across the area. The audience enjoyed a varied programme including a sneak preview of 'Music of the Spheres' which is the forthcoming test piece selection at the Brition Open Contest in a couple of weeks
On Sunday 23 rd August Foden's travelled to Fleetwood to perform an afternoon concert in the Marine Hall Joining Foden's for this concert were their guests, The Freckleton Band, who as well as providing a 20 minute solo spot joined Foden's for two massed items to conclude the concert The event was a huge success with both bands performing to a very receptive and large audience!
Foden’s Band are delighted to announce that registration is now open for the 2026/27 season of Foden’s Youth Band! Now entering its 15th year, Foden’s Youth Band continues to offer exciting opportunities for young brass and percussion players aged 21 and under (Grade 5+), bringing together talented musicians from across the region—and beyond—for high-quality music-making, expert tuition and outstanding performance experiences. The band meets monthly in Sandbach throughout the academic year, working with Foden’s team of professional conductors and tutors, as well as a range of guest artists and leading musicians. Our aim is to develop young players through challenging repertoire, expert coaching and inspiring performance opportunities, complementing and extending the experiences offered by school, youth and local banding programmes. The 2026/27 season will include: Monthly rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the academic year, working on exciting and challenging repertoire. Continued links with the Royal Northern College of Music, providing members with opportunities to work alongside and learn from current RNCM students and professional musicians. Expert coaching and mentoring from members of the Foden’s team and leading brass and percussion specialists. Opportunities to perform alongside and learn from professional musicians, giving young players an insight into life at the highest levels of brass banding. A supportive and ambitious environment where young musicians can develop their playing, build confidence, make new friends and enjoy making music together. We are looking forward to welcoming both new and returning members for another fantastic season! To find out more and apply, please visit: www.fodensband.co.uk/youth
Ahead of representing the North West Area at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall, Foden’s are delighted to once again perform at Regent Hall on the eve of the Finals. Join them for a preview of this year’s test piece ‘A Road Less Travelled By’ from the pen of Philip Sparke. The concert will also feature their award winning BIC show ‘Exodus:Moses in Egypt’ A huge thanks to Adams Percussion for their sponsorship of this concert www.adams-music.com Tickets: https://www.priorbooking.com/u/fodens
Foden’s are delighted to be heading to Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday 21st November for a special afternoon concert! Just one week after Brass In Concert, they will bring their brand-new entertainment show to Warwick… but you’ll have to wait a little longer to find out what it is! 📍 Warwick Arts Centre 📅 Saturday 21st November 🕐 1:00pm To book your tickets, call 024 7649 6000 email ticketing@warwick.ac.uk
Foden’s are delighted to announce that their talented Solo Cornet, Darcie Dewhurst, has been appointed Principal Cornet of ‘The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.’ Since joining Foden’s in January, Darcie has made a fantastic impact with the members
Foden’s Band is delighted to announce a new sponsorship partnership with Cheshire-based Acceler8 Clinical Research, bringing together two organisations with strong local roots and international reputations for excellence. The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and community, while providing valuable support to Foden’s Acceler8 Clinical Research is a Cheshire-based company in Knutsford with a global presence, including offices in Singapore, Australia and Canada. Ewan Campbell, CEO of Acceler8 Clinical Research, said: “At Acceler8, we believe in investing in excellence, whether that’s helping our clients accelerate the development of new medicines or supporting exceptional talent within our local community. “Foden’s Brass Band is a true Cheshire institution with an incredible heritage and an international reputation for excellence. We are proud to support the band and look forward to being part of its continued success.” Mark Wilkinson of Foden’s Band commented: “We are delighted to enter into this sponsorship partnership with Acceler8 Clinical Research. There are many parallels between our two organisations – both are proudly rooted in Cheshire while enjoying an international reach and reputation.’’ “Acceler8’s work supports pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device organisations in bringing life-changing treatments to people around the world. Their commitment to excellence and to supporting their local community makes them a fantastic partner for Foden’s. “We are extremely grateful to Ewan and the team at Acceler8 for their support and look forward to developing a successful and long-lasting relationship.”
