One of the world’s great trombone players recently showcased his talents at a special New Year Concert in Innsbruck in Austria.

The event at the city’s Congress Hall drew a packed audience of music lovers for a musical evening entitled, ‘Best of Brass', with Brass Band Fröschl Hall directed by Hannes Buchegger.

Eclectic set

The band presented an eclectic programme of substantial band repertoire, new music and an entertaining swing and blues set, featuring cornet player and vocalist Tobias Buchegger — an Austrian brass band version of Michale Buble!

Lito was joined by fellow guest soloist and principal trumpet of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Florian Klingler in providing the audience with moments for reflection and meditation as well as stunning virtuosity.

Sublime

Florian gave a sublime rendition of Morricone's 'La Califa' on soprano cornet, whilst Lito showcased a brand new composition by Tom Davoren — a Latin ballad for trombone and band entitled, 'For A Love Lost', which takes its inspiration from the trombonists early life in Argentina.

In addition there were also firecracker performances by principal cornet Manfred Lugger, who danced around Baker's 'Virtuosity' with remarkable ease, whilst euphonium players Christian Waldner and Georg Pranger gave a memorable rendition of Peter Graham's 'Brillante'.

Flair and style

Tom Davoren (above with Lito) told 4BR: "Writing for Lito has been such a pleasure. His music flair and style really are unique. I haven't enjoyed a brass band concert this much in quite some time.

With the sheer variety of music on show and incredible standard of performance, much of which was from memory, it is easy to see why Brass Band Fröschl Hall sell out a 1,500 seat hall!"

He added: "I'd like to say a big thank you to Lito and his family for their hospitality and to Hannes and the band for a great evening of music."

It is a great piece that I will be playing again and again, and I hope other trombonists will get a chance to perform it in future tooLito Fontana

Honour

In response Lito added: "It was an honour to perform Tom’s work and to have him visit my family. It is a great piece that I will be playing again and again, and I hope other trombonists will get a chance to perform it in future too.

It was a wonderful evening of music making with great friends — and an occasion to cherish."