Image: Niels Ackerman
Ross Knight is righty regarded as one of Europe’s leading orchestral tuba players.
His CV is enviable. He has performed with the likes of the Berliner Philharmoniker and London Symphony Orchestra and is currently the Principal Tuba of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva.
However, he remains resolutely connected to the brass band movement.
Reinforced
And as he told Simon Watts of the NYBBGB, that will be reinforced this weekend with his appearance with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (The Forum, Bath Staurday 8th August at 5.00pm) .
"I'd always heard about the National Youth Band," he said, “but I never actually played with them when I was younger because I followed a different route through the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and the National Youth Orchestra.
when Bob Childs invited me to be part of this year’s course, I completely rearranged my summer plans because it was something I'd always wanted to do
I’ve always known about the pedigree of the players or the organisation, so when Bob Childs invited me to be part of this year’s course, I completely rearranged my summer plans because it was something I'd always wanted to do."
Bridge the gap
That enthusiasm is rooted in a belief that brass bands and orchestras have far more in common than many people imagine. "It often feels as though you either do brass band or you do orchestral music," he says. "But I've always wanted to help bridge that gap."
The opportunity has come here, as he performs Ralph Vaughan Williams' much-loved ‘Concerto for Tuba’ alongside Paul Lovatt-Cooper's dazzling ‘Quicksilver’ - two works that reveal completely different personalities of both the tuba and the performer.
Beautiful fit
The Vaughan Williams was written in 1954 and was arranged by Philip Littlemore's for brass band. It’s the version which was recorded by Ross with Tredegar Band under Ian Porthouse (above), which Ross believes deserves to be heard more often.
People often think the two worlds are completely different, but Vaughan Williams' music is rooted in English folk traditions, and it fits beautifully within the brass band sound
"I wanted audiences to experience orchestral repertoire in a brass band setting," he explains. "People often think the two worlds are completely different, but Vaughan Williams' music is rooted in English folk traditions, and it fits beautifully within the brass band sound."
Tristan Variations... of the orchestral kind
Different colours
The colours may be different, he says, but that's precisely what makes the arrangement so compelling.
"In an orchestra, colour comes from strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. In a brass band you create all of those colours using one family of instruments. That challenge is fascinating, and it shows just how expressive and versatile a brass band can be."
In a brass band you create all of those colours using one family of instruments. That challenge is fascinating, and it shows just how expressive and versatile a brass band can be
Opposite
If the concerto showcases the tuba's lyrical, singing voice, ‘Quicksilver’ demonstrates something altogether different.
"It's the complete opposite," Ross laughs. "It's exciting, fast and full of energy. People often underestimate the tuba because of its size - they think it's only there to play the bass line. I wanted to programme two pieces that completely challenge that stereotype."
Personal mission
Breaking down assumptions has become something of a personal mission. Whether performing orchestral repertoire with brass band accompaniment or introducing audiences to the remarkable agility of the tuba as a solo instrument, Ross believes music should encourage listeners to hear familiar things in new ways.
Ross believes music should encourage listeners to hear familiar things in new ways.
His recent recording of the Gregson 'Tuba Concerto' with Ben Gernon and the BBC Philharmonic Orcheatra (above) has won a new legion of admirers and critical acclaim.
Philosophy
That philosophy forms part of this year’s NYBBGB musical theme of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, which celebrates reinvention through music.
"It's imperative that organisations like the NYBBGB continue commissioning new music," he says.
"The musical world is continually evolving, and we have to do that too. But while we embrace new ideas, we mustn't lose the traditions that make brass bands unique."
Ross continues to inspire the next (above) and future generations (below) of tuba players...
New stories
That excites him with the programme chosen by Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts, Principal Director of Music (Army). “They are telling new stories while celebrating where we've come from. I think this programme has been put together incredibly thoughtfully."
I still vividly remember walking into my first National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and National Youth Orchestra rehearsals," he says. "I know exactly how exciting that feels."
Away from the concert platform, Ross is equally passionate about inspiring the next generation. As a tutor during this week's course, he has also seen something of his younger self in the talented musicians gathered at Taunton School.
"I still vividly remember walking into my first National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and National Youth Orchestra rehearsals," he says. "I know exactly how exciting that feels."
Future superstars
What impressed him most though was not only the remarkable standard of young players, but also their potential. "There are future superstars. My job is to help them stay curious, keep working hard and never stop learning."
Listen to everything. Don't just listen to brass bands—listen to orchestras, jazz, rock, singers, chamber music. Every great musician you hear can inspire you to develop your own musical voice
His advice is refreshingly simple. "Listen to everything. Don't just listen to brass bands—listen to orchestras, jazz, rock, singers, chamber music. Every great musician you hear can inspire you to develop your own musical voice."
As for audiences joining the NYBBGB at The Forum in Bath, Ross promises an unforgettable experience. "Over 90 young musicians on one stage creates a phenomenal sound. Under Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts, after a week of intensive music-making together, it's going to be something really special.
"If you want your socks blown off," he smiles, "this is the concert to come to".
Thanks to Simon Watts
Tickets:
Tickets (under 18's are free) are still available at:
https://www.nybbgb.org.uk/whats-on/events/youth-band-summer-concert-2026/
