UK Virtuoso guests at contest preview

PRESS RELEASE 24 JUNE 2013

UK Virtuoso guests at contest preview

World-renowned euphonium soloist David Thornton will be performing with Auckland’s North Shore Brass in concert on 14 July at the Birkenhead College Theatre as they prepare for the 2013 New Zealand Brass Championships in New Plymouth.

Principal euphonium with top UK band Brighouse and Rastrick, David will work with band members in the week prior to the contest, as well as performing with them at their pre-contest concert.

“The standard of competition will be tough in 2013,” says North Shore Brass Band Manager, John Sullivan. “David will be helping our players prepare mentally as well as refining their musical skills.”

Born in Nottingham in 1978, David began his euphonium lessons at just eight years old and only five years later became the first ever euphonium player to gain a place at Chetham’s School of Music, one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions for specialist musical education.

His work within the brass band world has seen him at the top flight for already over a decade. David has held solo euphonium positions with the Fairey Band (1997-2000) and the Black Dyke Band (2000-2010) having won European, National and British Open Titles during this time.

“We are extremely privileged to have such a world-class artist at our pre-contest concert,” says John. “It’s a rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s pre-eminent brass soloists, and one not to be missed.”

As well as working with North Shore Brass, David will conduct soloist workshops and spend an evening with future A grade stars at the North Shore Brass Academy. The Academy was established in February 2013 as part of North Shore Brass’ five year development plan.

Prior to his Auckland visit, David is performing as guest soloist with National Australia Brass, conducted by Professor David King in Melbourne on 7 July. Professor King has been a regular visitor to North Shore Brass as part of the Adrienne, Lady Stewart Performance Bursary Programme. He has been working with the Band’s musical director, Colin Clark, who was the first New Zealand based recipient of a conducting bursary.

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ENDS

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