Butlins Mineworkers champion Virtuosi GUS has announced that Adam Cooke will become their new Musical Director following the retirement of John Berryman after the National Finals in London later this year.

First appearance

He will make his first contest appearance with the band at the Brass in Concert Championship in November.

Band Manager Mike Smith told 4BR: "Adam first worked with us in 2009 as part of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors competition.

Since then we have followed his emergence with particular interest, most notably his work with Becontree Brass and of course, his recent success in coming runner-up at the European Conductor Competition in Oslo."

Fresh perspective

He added: "Following John’s decision, we were looking for a fresh perspective, new ideas, and as an energetic young man with a broad musical experience, Adam fits the bill perfectly.

We have enjoyed some rehearsal time with him in recent weeks either side of his successful trip to Oslo, and plans are already well in place for his debut contest appearance at Brass in Concert."

Delighted

Adam is certainly looking forward to his new role, as he told 4BR.

"I was delighted to be offered the position with Virtuosi GUS. The band's balance of highly experienced players and young talent around the stand, as well as their recent excellent contesting form makes them an exciting prospect for any conductor.

Plans are well under way for our first contest appearance together at Brass in Concert, and we have already had discussions about innovative concert and recording projects over the coming year too."

Success

Adam was appointed MD of Becontree Brass in 2010, and led them to unprecedented success, qualifying for the National Finals on three consecutive occasions and in 2012 winning both the London Area and Butlins First Section titles.

He also led Brass United (a band comprising of students from both the RNCM and Manchester University) to victory at the University Brass Band Championship in 2011 and 2012.

The band's balance of highly experienced players and young talent around the stand, as well as their recent excellent contesting form makes them an exciting prospect for any conductorAdam Cooke

Critical acclaim

David Murray, Chairman of Becontree Brass told 4BR: "Becontree Band is delighted that Adam is set to become MD at Virtuosi GUS. Since joining Becontree as MD, Adam has brought the band up from the Second Section to the edge of the Championship winning critical acclaim and titles along the way."

He added: "Although Adam’s departure is disappointing news for Becontree, we realise he is one of the rising stars in the brass band world and will look with interest at his progress."