It has been announced that the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Awards will now be expanded from one to three in order to fully reflect the talent and achievements of young brass players from around the UK.

Showcase

The three award winners will perform in one showcase event, which will provide a platform for young musicians who have strived to reach the highest standards, both individually and collectively.

The three 'Young Brass Awards 2012' categories are Youth Band, Soloist (Under 18) and Soloist (18-21 years).

Special concert

In recognition, the recipients – who will be announced by Frank Renton in Listen to the Band — will take part in a performance at a special concert at the Royal Northern College of Music’s Festival of Brass in January 2012, which will be broadcast on Radio 2 shortly afterwards.

Expert panel

Previously, there has been just one recipient of the Young Brass Soloist Award, but for 2012 a panel of experts will select a youth band and two soloists whose contribution over the previous 12 months has been outstanding.

They will receive the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award 2012 in each of the separate categories.

Overall recipient

Additionally, at the Festival of Brass concert the panel will also name one overall recipient of BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award 2012, and this soloist or band will be given a further performance opportunity on Radio 2.

Its expansion to the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Awards this year, honouring not one, but three musicians, exemplifies the station’s ongoing commitment to supporting the vibrant brass band music scene in the UKLewis Carnie

Support

Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming for Radio 2, told 4BR: "The Young Brass Soloist Award has long been an important part of Radio 2’s musical year. Its expansion to the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Awards this year, honouring not one, but three musicians, exemplifies the station’s ongoing commitment to supporting the vibrant brass band music scene in the UK."

Paul Hindmarsh, Festival of Brass Director added: "We are honoured to support the Radio 2 Young Brass Awards 2012 and be a part of this fantastic event."