NYBB goes ‘Down Under’ in Blackburn
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain gave a fantastic performance at Blackburn Cathedral last weekend (Saturday 10th August) impressing the audience with a programme of antipodean inspired repertoire under guest conductor Professor David King. The concert provided the finale to an action-packed week’s residential course at Stonyhurst, which included a visit from the British Army and the Harry Mortimer Solo competition (hughe congratulations to winner Lewis Barton – this year’s principal cornet) amongst a myriad of other musical and social activities. The informal concert, which featured a tutors’ ensemble as well as members of the band and the ‘Quiz Night’ were particular highlights. This year’s summer course also welcomed two musicians in an exchange programme from the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland, sponsored by Besson’s Horizons initiative.
All this was in addition to the expected fare of intensive music making in rehearsals and sectionals under MD Prof. David King, his assistant for the week - the 2023 NYBB conducting Competition winner - Joshua Parkhill and first-class instrumental tutors who certainly ensured the young players were stretched and challenged with an ambitious programme. Repertoire included major works from Gilbert Vinter, Brenton Broadstock, Philip Sparke and Todd Smith in addition to wide ranging variety of other musical offerings, all of which delighted the audience.
The guest soloist was also of truly world class quality in the LSO’s principal trumpet and former NYBBGB principal cornet James Fountain. He was on absolutely scintillating form in Percy Code's classic 'Zelda', 'Black Tears' (Chorale for Pike River) by Fraser Bremner and Michel Legrand's 'How Do You Keep the Music Playing?’ It is hard to say who was more captivated by his astonishing playing, audience or band. The concert concluded with the now traditional and much-loved encore of the hymn ‘St Clements’ before the young musicians made their way back to their families amidst plenty of hugs, tears and shared memories of a truly unique and remarkable experience. One audience member summed it up beautifully, “Absolutely fabulous concert... when you think you’ve heard the best concert by The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain the next one just ends up even better!”
The band is now focused on its next project, the second Young Composers Competition. If you're a young composer up to the age of 30 (on 1/1/25), then this is your opportunity to submit an original artistic work for brass band, lasting between three and six minutes. The NYBBGB is looking for six new works (three winners and three runners up). The winning pieces will be rehearsed and performed at NYBBGB courses and concerts in 2025. Winners will also receive a cash prize of £750 each and a mentoring opportunity. Each runner up will receive a cash prize of £250, and feedback via a one-to-one coaching phone call with a member of the judging panel. Full details of the competition and how to enter are at bit.ly/NYBBGB_YoungComposersComp_2024
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