BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award 2018
Huge congratulations to Thomas Nielsen, the winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist Award. The talented cornetist gave an outstanding performance of a thoroughly entertaining programme including the polka 'Miss Blue Bonnet', 'Before the Cross' by Edward Gregson and Peter Graham's 'Whirlwind'. At just 17 years old, Thomas impressed the adjudicating panel of Professor Nicholas Childs, Helen Vollam and Andrew Crowley with his remarkable technique and beautifully cultured tone, as well as performing his entire recital from memory.
Following the announcement of his success, Thomas was quick to pay tribute to his fellow competitors Ross Dunne (tenor horn), Sam Dye (trombone) and Cameron Scott (euphonium) stating, "I'm still so surprised. The other players were excellent, so winning didn't really come into my mind. I was just glad to have played as well as I could. I've really enjoyed the experience and I have to thank my family, especially my dad for teaching me so well!"
Tom has been Principal Cornet at the NYBBGB for the last two years and Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey was swift with his praise for the young musician, "Bravo, Tom. Leader of the NYBBGB and current holder of the Harold and Bernard Tovey Award for Excellence. A beautiful player and terrific young man, I am so delighted for you."
The performances can be heard via this link:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09yxh90
(Tom's performance can be heard at around 23 minutes)
