Katrina Marzella catches up with Richard Marshall

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Brass Band World’s version of Desert Island Discs. This month's castaway is cornet virtuoso, Richard Marshall

Richard needs little introduction to brass band enthusiasts across the world. He is the current incumbent of the ‘hottest’ seat in banding as Principal Cornet of Black Dyke Band, having led the band with aplomb for over a decade now; an achievement celebrated by the commissioning of a groundbreaking cornet concerto by Edward Gregson, premièred at the recent European Championships Gala Concert in France.

Born and bred in Yorkshire, Richard showed prodigious musical talent from an early age. He started on flugel (his father Brian’s instrument), but changed to cornet after only a week. He won numerous awards during his youth and was appointed Principal Cornet of Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the remarkably young age of 19. At Grimethorpe, he worked under the tutelage of Elgar Howarth, who described Richard as "the most outstanding cornet player this country has ever produced.”

Richard joined Black Dyke in 2006, thus fulfilling a childhood ambition to follow in the footsteps of many of his cornet idols. During his tenure at ‘Dyke’, Richard has premièred a catalogue of new band and solo repertoire, won numerous major contests (including several individual prizes along the way) and recorded solo albums that educate and entertain in equal measure. As well as his skills as a performer, Richard is a much-admired teacher and is cornet tutor at both the Royal Northern College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire.

An accomplished interpreter of all musical styles, Richard’s versatility and virtuosity on cornet are simply jaw-dropping. However, it is his musicianship that sets him apart; his lyricism and sound touches the heart and, when he plays a melody, you hear an artist at one with his craft. On a personal note, I must add how much of a pleasure it is to sit across from this musician on a weekly basis! For all at Black Dyke and I, he is an inspirational player, but moreover a great leader, role model and a genuinely top person.

Congratulations on your tenth anniversary Richard and thank you for agreeing to be a BBW Castaway.

To find out which 8 CD’s, book and luxury item Richard would want if stranded on a desert island, subscribe to BBW Digital here. Some of his selections may take you by surprise!