Following almost 33 years as Principal Tuba of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Nigel Seaman is retiring from his post within the Orchestra.

Nigel first joined the orchestra in 1977 following two years at Welsh National Opera and was the first (and so far only) full time contract tuba player with the premier Welsh ensemble.

Not a recluse!

Nigel told 4BR: "Although I have stepped down as a player in one of the finest orchestras in the country, I am far from intending to become a recluse! I will continue my work at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and I’m also very excited about the offers coming in and the opportunities that will arise to accept conducting, adjudicating and teaching projects."

Nigel will continue to be busy with his conductiong schedule however — both at home and abroad.

Without the confines of a busy orchestral schedule I’ve been able to accept more offers in the banding worldNigel Seaman

Filling up

He added: "Without the confines of a busy orchestral schedule I’ve been able to accept more offers in the banding world. My diary is already filling up with adjudicating and conducting engagements, and I was recently the chairman of the jury at the French National championships and now looking forward to officiating at the Scottish Championships next month."

Looking forward

He concluded: "I’ll be taking three bands to the Wales and West of England Area contests and there are a number of guest appearances lined up with other bands too. All in all I’m very excited about the new change of direction and emphasis of my musical career and greatly looking forward to being able to spend more time in a world of music-making I’ve loved for so many years."