York RI Golden Rail Band. Picture: Keith Meadley
TWO well-loved York ensembles will reunite for Sounding Brass and Voices at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, on September 6 to celebrate 100 years of music.
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail Band will perform a joint concert for the fourth time in a pairing of brass and voices that is both tender and thrilling.
The first pairing in 2020 came three weeks before the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK, followed by concerts in 2023 and 2024 to enthusiastic York audiences.
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir – or “The Phil” as it is known affectionately – was founded in 1925 and is marking its centenary year with a season of high-profile concerts with partner choirs from Europe and closer to home, as well as with the Golden Rail Band.
From humble beginnings, The Phil has become one of the country’s best choirs, achieving television fame in the 1970s, performing internationally and still winning awards in 2025. The latest was won in April at the National Choir Day at Eskdale Festival of the Arts in Whitby.
Berenice Lewis, the choir’s musical director for 25 years, says: “It’s a tremendous privilege and pleasure to be collaborating again with the York RI Golden Rail Band, one of our region’s leading concert brass bands.
“Our two groups are exceptionally compatible, and we love working together – and it’s particularly special in this centenary year for the choir. We’re excited to share an evening of music in the gorgeous setting of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Don’t miss it!”
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir: 100th anniversary
Golden Rail Band, based next to York Station, celebrated its own milestone last year, marking 40 years of music-making, although the band’s parentage stretches back to 1883.
For its ruby anniversary, the band recorded a special radio programme and performed concerts at the National Centre for Early Music, Selby Abbey and York Barbican.
This year will see the band making its television debut in November, details of which are being kept closely under wraps.
Band conductor Nick Eastwood said: “We’re thrilled to be performing with The Phil again, even more so as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. To mark such a huge occasion, we’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on 100 years within our brass band world, which offers a rich and inspiring musical heritage to draw on.
“From romantic film music to toe-tapping hits, there will be something for everyone. And prepare yourselves for the finale, when the choir and the band will take the stage together for a couple of glorious and rousing numbers that will gladden your heart and send you home singing.”
A fifth collaboration between the Golden Rail Band and The Phil will ensue at the York Barbican on September 21 when the band will be among the ‘Friends’ at the choir’s Music of The Phil and Friends concert. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail in Sounding Brass and Voices, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, September 6, 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 501935 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/concert/sounding-brass-and-voices/2810.
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail Band in concert together. Picture: Keith Meadley