Name: The NYBBGB Children's Band Summer Concert 2026
Start: 2026-07-31T14:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-07-31T16:00:00+01:00
Location: Taunton Brewhouse

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is delighted to present The NYBBGB Children’s Band Summer Concert 2026 under the direction of acclaimed guest conductor Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, featuring guest soloist Angus Ritchie (euphonium).
Entitled “Disruption: The Sounds of Change”, the concert explores disruption as a force for creativity, courage and progress — moments when new sounds emerge, unheard voices step forward and the future is reshaped by the next generation.
Performed by The NYBBGB Children's Band, 60 of the UK’s most talented young brass and percussion players aged 8–13, the concert marks the culmination of the Band’s intensive week-long summer residential course. During the course, the young musicians work alongside world-leading tutors, conductors and educators, developing their musicianship through rehearsals, sectional tuition and ensemble performance.
The programme brings together music inspired by change, imagination and resilience, from the cinematic drama of 'Cortége' from 'Mlada' by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and the adventurous storytelling of 'The Journal of Phileas Fogg' by Peter Graham, to the uplifting spirituality of 'Amazing Grace' arranged by William Himes and 'A Little Prayer' by Evelyn Glennie, arranged by Dr Robert Childs.
Audiences will also hear contemporary works celebrating individuality and innovation, including 'March: IRL' by Lucy Pankhurst, 'The Awakening' by Liz Lane and 'Revolting Children' from 'Matilda The Musical' by Tim Minchin. The concert closes with 'Gold Saturday' by Errollyn Wallen, reflecting the optimism, creativity and energy of young musicians shaping the future.
Mark Bromley, CEO of The NYBBGB, said: “The NYBBGB Children’s Band showcases not just the musical ability of these young players, but their creativity, resilience and potential. We believe music should be a pathway for all children — regardless of background — to dream big, express themselves and feel part of something meaningful. This concert is a celebration of those values and a truly joyful event.”
About the Guest Conductor
Katrina Marzella-Wheeler is internationally recognised as one of the leading figures in the brass band world as a conductor, baritone horn soloist and educator. A former BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist of the Year, British Open Solo Champion and recipient of the European Brass Band Championships ‘Best Soloist’ award, Katrina performed for many years as solo baritone with the world-famous Black Dyke Band, winning major British and European titles. She is widely respected for her imaginative programming, commitment to championing new music and advocacy for greater diversity on the conductor’s podium. In 2025, she became the first woman to conduct at the European Brass Band Championships Main Event in Stavanger, Norway, and was nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award in recognition of her contribution to the brass band sector. As a Yamaha Artist, she also played a key role in the development of the Yamaha Neo baritone horn and continues to premiere and champion new music for brass.
About the Guest Soloist
Guest soloist Angus Ritchie is one of the UK’s most exciting emerging euphonium talents and an alumnus of The NYBBGB. Originally from Scotland, Angus began his musical journey with Kirkintilloch Youth Band before progressing through Croy Silver Band, Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass and The Cooperation Band. He now studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and performs with the renowned Brighouse and Rastrick Band. In 2025, Angus won The NYBBGB Harry Mortimer Award following acclaimed performances of 'Ziebekikos' from Philip Wilby’s 'Euphonium Concerto' and 'Harlequin' by Philip Sparke, earning the opportunity to appear as guest soloist at this concert.
About The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
Founded in 1952 by Dr Denis Wright, the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is the UK’s leading brass band charity for children and young people. Through its two national ensembles — The Children’s Band and The Youth Band — The NYBBGB provides exceptional musical education, performance opportunities and mentorship for talented young brass and percussion players aged 8–18 from across the UK.
The organisation’s mission is to inspire and nurture the next generation of brass and percussion musicians, teachers and creative leaders by bringing together outstanding young players in a supportive and inclusive environment. Members benefit from world-class artistic leadership, specialist tuition and the opportunity to perform ambitious repertoire at leading venues across the country.
As a registered charity, The NYBBGB is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances are never a barrier to participation, providing bursaries and pastoral support to help young musicians access its courses and opportunities.