Brass Banding With Hannah Peel

Title

First
Broadcast

Comments

A Whit Friday Street Party

20250608

Hannah explores the towns taken over by marching brass bands for one day a year. Rosie Banham of Oldham's Delph Band explains the allure of the Whit Friday parade and recommends a favourite marching band piece. Plus Hannah heads to Japan to discover its small but mighty banding scene with a brass arrangement of a traditional Japanese folk song. Elsewhere in the show there's a hymn for Manchester from Tubular Brass, a tribute to Benjamin Britten from composer Simon Dobson, and a track demonstrating an early adoption of electronic equipment into brass bands.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

The day marching brass bands take over the streets.

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah explores the towns taken over by marching brass bands for one day a year, and heads to Japan to discover its small but mighty banding scene.

Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition.

[LISTEN NOW]

An All Female Brass Band

20250622

Hannah discovers the first all female brass band in the USA as she drops another pin on her map of banding. Conductor Duncan Beckley recounts a joyous story of overcoming adversity and finding community through banding. He recommends a piece from the BBC archives that represents a pivotal moment in his career. Plus a piece combining Indian classical music with British brass bands, and a new release from euphonium player David Childs.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Hannah discovers America's Athena Brass Band.

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah discovers the first all female brass band in the USA and conductor Duncan Beckley recounts a joyous story of overcoming adversity and finding community through banding.

[LISTEN NOW]

Archives And Love Songs

20250518

Hannah meets archivist Tim Mutum, who holds an impressive collection of brass band LPs, and hears one of his favourite pieces. She travels across the globe to discover New Zealand's thriving banding scene, and plays a piece inspired by the national pride of both New Zealand and Wales. Plus, an expressive love song from Ivor Novello award-winning composer Gavin Higgins, a recent composition from Martin Green inspired by brass banding's strong mining history, and a rearrangement of Debussy's Sunken Cathedral.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Archivist Tim Mutum welcomes us into his treasured collection

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah meets archivist Tim Mutum, who holds an impressive collection of brass band LPs, and she discovers the banding scene of New Zealand.

[LISTEN NOW]

From Tokyo To Tongwynlais

20250615

Hannah meets Japanese baritone player Shoko Doherty who has brought her Welsh band on tour to Tokyo. Exploring the cross-cultural connection between the two countries, she recommends a meaningful piece that reflects her international journey with brass bands. An exploration of Wales brings us to a brand new rendition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, arranged by Tenor Horn soloist Owen Farr. Plus a new piece from Andrea Price inspired by Greek mythology, and Judith Bingham's euphonium concerto which takes us on a gondolier ride through Venetian history.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

The music connecting Wales with Japan

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah meets Japanese baritone player Shoko who has brought her Welsh band on tour to Tokyo. Plus a rendition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons for brass.

[LISTEN NOW]

Map Of Banding: Norway

20250427

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Throughout the series, Hannah draws a map of banding, exploring some lesser known locations where brass banding is thriving. In this episode she visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom and we hear new works from Edward Gregson and Liz Lane.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition.

Hannah Peel visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom, plus a new work from Edward Gregson.

[LISTEN NOW]

New Beginnings

20250629

With a look to the future, Hannah discovers the University Brass scene with a piece composed, conducted, and played by students. A triumphant underdog story takes us to Gloucester where Gregor Spence, the young band manager of Flowers Band, talks about his vision for the future of banding and recommends a piece. Plus Hannah pays a visit to Yorkshire with a piece inspired by artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain plays a celebratory piece marking their 70th birthday.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

The music keeping brass bands innovative.

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah looks to the future with the University Brass scene and music from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Plus a triumphant underdog story and a visit to Yorkshire.

Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition.

[LISTEN NOW]

Norway's Icy Landscapes

20250427

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Hannah Peel visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom, plus a new work from Edward Gregson.

[LISTEN NOW]

Sweeney Todd And Acid Brass

20250601

Hannah discovers the diverse banding scene of North West England with a duo of pieces from two top bands. She drops in on the Wardle Academy Youth band in Rochdale to hear about the importance of encouraging young players, and hands over the reins to the students to pick a piece. Plus a beautiful duo for euphonium and marimba, a rousing performance of a Hubert Bath track, and a work inspired by images of the universe.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah discovers the diverse banding scene of North West England with a duo of pieces, and she drops in on the Wardle Academy Youth band.

[LISTEN NOW]

Swiss Brass Takes Flight

20250525

Hannah explores Switzerland's top bands with a piece taking her from Paris to Saigon, and ending up in the middle of the Sahara desert. Plus, composer Edward Gregson welcomes us into his studio to talk about the future of brass band composition and recommend a piece. Elsewhere in the programme there's a poignant film soundtrack from an Icelandic composer, a 1930s suite by Imogen Holst, and a dramatic prelude from Wilfred Heaton.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah explores Switzerland's top bands with a piece taking her from Paris to Saigon, and ending in the middle of the desert. Composer Edward Gregson welcomes us into his studio.

[LISTEN NOW]

Triumphant Timps

20250511

Hannah meets percussionist Cathryn Hurst, who got into music through banding and its supportive community. Shining a light on the competitive bands flourishing in the Midlands, we relive an exciting moment from the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Plus, a premiere of Peter Graham's new work recorded at Bradford's Big Brass Blow Out, Errollyn Wallen's piece for trombone ensemble and a classic brass arrangement of Elgar's Enigma Variations.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah meets percussionist Cathryn Hurst, who got into music through banding and shines a light on the competitive bands flourishing in the Midlands.

Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition.

[LISTEN NOW]

Trombones And Tibetan Bells

20250504

Hannah drops the map of banding pin in Scotland's thriving band scene and meets trombone soloist and New Generation Artist Peter Moore, who introduces a piece from his new album with Tredegar Band.

Featuring a moving piece from Belgian's Willebroek brass band and a recent composition by Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri combining Thai folk music with British brass bands. Plus works from English composers John Ireland and Lucy Pankhurst.

Produced by Olivia Swift

A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3

A band room recommendation from trombonist Peter Moore.

Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands.

Hannah discovers Scotland's thriving band scene and meets trombone soloist Peter Moore to hear his band room recommendation. Plus works from John Ireland and Lucy Pankhurst.

Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Comments
A Whit Friday Street Party	20250608	Hannah explores the towns taken over by marching brass bands for one day a year. Rosie Banham of Oldham's Delph Band explains the allure of the Whit Friday parade and recommends a favourite marching band piece. Plus Hannah heads to Japan to discover its small but mighty banding scene with a brass arrangement of a traditional Japanese folk song. Elsewhere in the show there's a hymn for Manchester from Tubular Brass, a tribute to Benjamin Britten from composer Simon Dobson, and a track demonstrating an early adoption of electronic equipment into brass bands. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 The day marching brass bands take over the streets. Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah explores the towns taken over by marching brass bands for one day a year, and heads to Japan to discover its small but mighty banding scene. Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition. [LISTEN NOW]
An All Female Brass Band	20250622	Hannah discovers the first all female brass band in the USA as she drops another pin on her map of banding. Conductor Duncan Beckley recounts a joyous story of overcoming adversity and finding community through banding. He recommends a piece from the BBC archives that represents a pivotal moment in his career. Plus a piece combining Indian classical music with British brass bands, and a new release from euphonium player David Childs. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Hannah discovers America's Athena Brass Band. Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah discovers the first all female brass band in the USA and conductor Duncan Beckley recounts a joyous story of overcoming adversity and finding community through banding. [LISTEN NOW]
Archives And Love Songs	20250518	Hannah meets archivist Tim Mutum, who holds an impressive collection of brass band LPs, and hears one of his favourite pieces. She travels across the globe to discover New Zealand's thriving banding scene, and plays a piece inspired by the national pride of both New Zealand and Wales. Plus, an expressive love song from Ivor Novello award-winning composer Gavin Higgins, a recent composition from Martin Green inspired by brass banding's strong mining history, and a rearrangement of Debussy's Sunken Cathedral. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Archivist Tim Mutum welcomes us into his treasured collection Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah meets archivist Tim Mutum, who holds an impressive collection of brass band LPs, and she discovers the banding scene of New Zealand. [LISTEN NOW]
From Tokyo To Tongwynlais	20250615	Hannah meets Japanese baritone player Shoko Doherty who has brought her Welsh band on tour to Tokyo. Exploring the cross-cultural connection between the two countries, she recommends a meaningful piece that reflects her international journey with brass bands. An exploration of Wales brings us to a brand new rendition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, arranged by Tenor Horn soloist Owen Farr. Plus a new piece from Andrea Price inspired by Greek mythology, and Judith Bingham's euphonium concerto which takes us on a gondolier ride through Venetian history. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 The music connecting Wales with Japan Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah meets Japanese baritone player Shoko who has brought her Welsh band on tour to Tokyo. Plus a rendition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons for brass. [LISTEN NOW]
Map Of Banding: Norway	20250427	Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Throughout the series, Hannah draws a map of banding, exploring some lesser known locations where brass banding is thriving. In this episode she visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom and we hear new works from Edward Gregson and Liz Lane. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition. Hannah Peel visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom, plus a new work from Edward Gregson. [LISTEN NOW]
New Beginnings	20250629	With a look to the future, Hannah discovers the University Brass scene with a piece composed, conducted, and played by students. A triumphant underdog story takes us to Gloucester where Gregor Spence, the young band manager of Flowers Band, talks about his vision for the future of banding and recommends a piece. Plus Hannah pays a visit to Yorkshire with a piece inspired by artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain plays a celebratory piece marking their 70th birthday. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 The music keeping brass bands innovative. Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah looks to the future with the University Brass scene and music from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Plus a triumphant underdog story and a visit to Yorkshire. Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition. [LISTEN NOW]
Norway's Icy Landscapes	20250427	Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Throughout the series, Hannah draws a map of banding, exploring some lesser known locations where brass banding is thriving. In this episode she visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom and we hear new works from Edward Gregson and Liz Lane. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Hannah Peel visits Norway with two pieces that reflect its icy landscapes. Conductor Katrina Marzella sends a recommendation from her bandroom, plus a new work from Edward Gregson. [LISTEN NOW]
Sweeney Todd And Acid Brass	20250601	Hannah discovers the diverse banding scene of North West England with a duo of pieces from two top bands. She drops in on the Wardle Academy Youth band in Rochdale to hear about the importance of encouraging young players, and hands over the reins to the students to pick a piece. Plus a beautiful duo for euphonium and marimba, a rousing performance of a Hubert Bath track, and a work inspired by images of the universe. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah discovers the diverse banding scene of North West England with a duo of pieces, and she drops in on the Wardle Academy Youth band. [LISTEN NOW]
Swiss Brass Takes Flight	20250525	Hannah explores Switzerland's top bands with a piece taking her from Paris to Saigon, and ending up in the middle of the Sahara desert. Plus, composer Edward Gregson welcomes us into his studio to talk about the future of brass band composition and recommend a piece. Elsewhere in the programme there's a poignant film soundtrack from an Icelandic composer, a 1930s suite by Imogen Holst, and a dramatic prelude from Wilfred Heaton. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah explores Switzerland's top bands with a piece taking her from Paris to Saigon, and ending in the middle of the desert. Composer Edward Gregson welcomes us into his studio. [LISTEN NOW]
Triumphant Timps	20250511	Hannah meets percussionist Cathryn Hurst, who got into music through banding and its supportive community. Shining a light on the competitive bands flourishing in the Midlands, we relive an exciting moment from the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Plus, a premiere of Peter Graham's new work recorded at Bradford's Big Brass Blow Out, Errollyn Wallen's piece for trombone ensemble and a classic brass arrangement of Elgar's Enigma Variations. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah meets percussionist Cathryn Hurst, who got into music through banding and shines a light on the competitive bands flourishing in the Midlands. Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition. [LISTEN NOW]
Trombones And Tibetan Bells	20250504	Hannah drops the map of banding pin in Scotland's thriving band scene and meets trombone soloist and New Generation Artist Peter Moore, who introduces a piece from his new album with Tredegar Band. Featuring a moving piece from Belgian's Willebroek brass band and a recent composition by Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri combining Thai folk music with British brass bands. Plus works from English composers John Ireland and Lucy Pankhurst. Produced by Olivia Swift A Reform Radio production for BBC Radio 3 A band room recommendation from trombonist Peter Moore. Hannah Peel explores the world of brass bands. Hannah discovers Scotland's thriving band scene and meets trombone soloist Peter Moore to hear his band room recommendation. Plus works from John Ireland and Lucy Pankhurst. Hannah Peel celebrates the British brass band tradition. [LISTEN NOW]