*
banner

Thomson twins tuba role

Ben Thomson has been appointed Principal Tuba of the Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Thomson
 

One of the brass band movement’s leading performers will be making his mark on the professional orchestral ranks, with the news that Ben Thomson has been appointed as the new Principal Tuba of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in Glasgow.

New role

Speaking to 4BR after the announcement of the news was made public, Ben said. "I have just started in the role, but was initially offered the position after playing with the orchestra at the BBC Proms.

I was on trial with the orchestra for about a year performing in concerts and recordings including the Proms and Edinburgh Festival, so to be offered the position is a great honour."

World conductors

Ben told 4BR that he is looking forward to working with Principal Conductor, Donald Runnicles, as well as Principal Guest Conductor Ilan Volkov and other leading conductors from around the orchestral world, although he is sad to be leaving behind brass banding.

"I am sad to be leaving Manchester and especially Faireys, but this kind of opportunity arises so rarely and it couldn't be missed. It's what I've been working towards my entire musical life."

I am sad to be leaving Manchester and especially Faireys, but this kind of opportunity arises so rarely and it couldn't be missed. It's what I've been working towards my entire musical lifeBen Thomson

Banding link

Ben hopes he will still have time to indulge in his banding passion though, and is delighted that he will team up with former Fairey player Simon Johnson, who is the orchestra’s principal trombonist.

"It may take a bit of working out, but I won’t become a stranger I hope, and I know the brass section always logs in to 4BR to find out what’s happening at the major contests! I will be playing with Fairey at the RNCM Festival of Brass as a bit of a farewell."

Welsh appointment

Meanwhile, Ben was delighted to hear that his friend Dan Trodden, who he grew up with in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, has just been appointed as the Principal Tuba of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales too.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd