The best of young brass set to perform (From Droitwich Advertiser)

The best of young brass set to perform

4:18pm Wednesday 6th August 2008

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THE National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will be performing locally this weekend.

Some of the finest young brass players in the country are to perform in concerts at Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturdfay evening under the baton of one of the world's leading orchestral conductors, Bramwell Tovey, the band's musical director.

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, which draws some of the finest young brass and percussion musicians from across the country, will also be performing on Friday night at the The Civic Hall, Bedworth.

These concerts will follow a week-long intensive residential course at Bromsgrove School , at which the young musicians will be put through their paces by some of the UK's finest brass and percussion players.

Bramwell Tovey is acknowledged around the world for his artistic depth and his warm, charismatic personality on the podium.

His tenures as music director with the Vancouver Symphony, Luxembourg Philharmonic and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras have been characterised by his expertise in operatic, choral, British and contemporary repertoire.

He was recently appointed principal guest conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, a post last held by Leonard Slatkin.

Tovey has also been commissioned to write a work for the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic's respective 2008 summer seasons.

The programme for the summer course and concerts include repertoire such as The Call of The Righteous - Condon and Variations on a Ninth - Vinter.

Soloist for the concert will be tuba soloist Lesley Neish, a tutor in Chamber Music at the Royal Northern College of Music and one of the finest tuba players of his generation.

Philip Biggs, administrator of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain said: "We are thrilled to be performing in the Midlands once more. This is a wonderful opportunity for music lovers to hear the outstanding stars of tomorrow, and we hope that brass and percussion players from across the region will come and listen to the band and soloist."

The National Youth Brass Band, which has performed at some of the UK's leading music festivals including the BBC Proms, exists to provide opportunities for young people to play music to the highest possible standard.

Over 3,500 players have taken part in more than 100 residential courses since the 75-strong band was founded in 1952. The band is open via audition to any player of a brass band and percussion instrument aged between 12 and 18.

Tickets for the local concert, are available in advance from the Artrix ticket office.

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