National champions Brighouse & Rastrick have just returned home after enjoying a highly successful trip to Austria and Italy.

Stunning backdrops

The band jetted off in the early hours on Friday morning to Venice, before they set off on a three hour coach trip to their first destination of Ossiach in Austria.

The concert and accommodation was based within the CMA Carinthische Musikakademie, a converted 15th century monastery, surrounded by possibly the most stunning backdrops any brass band could hope for.

Only purple

And as the sunset across the lake filled the sky with glowing reds and gold’s, the focus was only on those in purple as the band under the baton of Prof David King delivered an exciting run through Rossini's overture 'Il Viaggio A Reims', much to the delight of their hosts.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "With music from the latest CD release, brilliant soloists and a run through the National Finals set work, 'Daphnis and Chloe', it was no wonder the thrilled audience were gasping for air in appreciation!"

Merano beauty

The following day the band headed to Merano in Italy – once more playing against a backdrop of the rarest beauty.

As part of the 50th Merano Music Festival, the National champion performed to a packed concert hall, adorned with huge frescoes.

With music from the latest CD release, brilliant soloists and a run through the National Finals set work, 'Daphnis and Chloe', it was no wonder the thrilled audience were gasping for air in appreciation!B&R

Perfect compliment

The spokesperson added: "The cavernous room perfectly complimented the band, especially when accompanying guest soloist and international performance scholar, Leo Le Yu, who improvised a 5 minute xylophone solo including a switch to 6 sticks at one point!

We are very proud of being able to feature such a young talent and to welcome him to the band."

Photo courtesy of Gordon Ratcliffe