Test Valley Brass from Andover has recently returned from a highly successful five day tour of the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Invite

After many months of fundraising and support the band were invited to travel out and perform two concerts by top Spanish professional euphonium player Josep Burguera Riera, who currently plays with the Palma Wind Band.

The band performed in the lovely surroundings of Santanyi as well as in a brand new theatre in Ses Salines, but also had time to perform an impromptu concert at the hotel they stayed at as a thank you for the hospitality provided by the owners and all the guests.

Experience

The band’s popular repertoire of music delighted the locals who flocked to listen to the concerts, with all the players, including 9 year old's Emma Howell and Eloise Kestle enjoying every minute of the experience.

We have had the most wonderful time and we cannot thank Josep or the people of Mallorca enough. They were truly wonderful and made us very welcomeAlec Grimsey

Wonderful

Alec Grimsey told 4BR: "We have had the most wonderful time and we cannot thank Josep or the people of Mallorca enough. They were truly wonderful and made us very welcome."

The Director of Music at the Santanyi Music School, Pedro Vallbona Plazas bestowed the honour of inviting the band back next year to join in a music festival which will feature many different groups and instruments.

Delighted

Meanwhile, an equally delighted Josep Burguera Riera added: "This has been a very new experience for me and it has been fantastic. The colours and sounds of the instruments in a brass band are wonderful and performing ‘Gipsy Airs’ with Test Valley Brass was a real privilege. I am very happy."