The Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band has successfully completed its Annual Training  Exercise (ATX) – Exercise Barbarian Lyre 2025, a 10-day intensive training programme  designed to enhance the Band’s musical, ceremonial, and leadership capabilities. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

Based at Wellington Barracks, London Central Garrison, the RG Band trained alongside the  Band of the Welsh Guards under the direction of former RG Bandmaster, Major Matt  Simons. This collaboration allowed musicians to refine their skills, working on challenging  repertoire and performing in a joint concert at the Salvation Army Regent Hall, Oxford Street.  The programme featured works by Aaron Copland, Charles Ives, Cole Porter, Philip Sparke,  and William Walton, alongside the world premiere of Gareth Trott’s Baritone Saxophone  Concerto. 

To further their professional development, Band members participated in one-on-one  instrumental lessons and observed several ceremonial events in the UK, including the  Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle and the Guard of Honour on Horse Guards  Parade. These experiences provided valuable insight into ceremonial standards and best  practices that can be applied to military music in Gibraltar. 

A key highlight was the invitation to observe the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) in  rehearsal at Cadogan Hall, where the Band gained first-hand experience of a professional  orchestra’s preparation process. The RPO’s rehearsal of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony was  particularly significant, as the RG Band will perform this iconic piece at their VE Day 80  concert on 26 April 2025. 

In addition to musical training, the ATX incorporated leadership development workshops,  focusing on the Army Leadership Code and its seven key behaviours. These sessions  encouraged discussion on leadership from both a civilian and Reservist perspective,  strengthening leadership skills within the Band.

The RG Band also had the privilege of supporting the 25th and final Rorke’s Drift Concert,  which brings together Army Cadet Force musicians for a large-scale performance—an  initiative aimed at supporting the future of military music. 

Exercise Barbarian Lyre 2025 successfully met all its objectives, further enhancing the  musical excellence, leadership development, and camaraderie within the Royal Gibraltar  Regiment Band.