Tuba star Les Neish has been busy performing over the last few months and his recent concerto appearance in Scotland really caused a stir.

Les performed the Ralph Vaughan Williams ‘Tuba Concerto’ with Solway Sinfonia, conducted by Geoff Keating.

Great favour

Geoff commented to 4BR: "It was a huge pleasure to have Les perform with us and I think the first time we’ve ever had a soloist cheered by the audience. He has done us a great favour in banishing notions of stuffy orchestral concerts amongst our audience members."

Les also treated the audience to his usual display of pyrotechnics in his encores, which left them astounded.

I think the first time we’ve ever had a soloist cheered by the audience. He has done us a great favour in banishing notions of stuffy orchestral concerts amongst our audience membersConductor Geoff Keating

Tumult of applause

John Duncan of the local press wrote: 'Neish’s solo encores featuring beat-box rhythms, harmonics, and singing (and whooping) through the instrument, elicited a tumult of applause to rival the gathering storm outside.'

Busy

Les now prepares for a busy few weeks that will include adjudicating in Scotland, performing with the Brass Band of Battle Creek at their annual Christmas Concerts, and a performance as guest soloist with the James Madison University Band in Virginia.

All this in time to get home for Christmas too!