European champion Cory has announced that principal euphonium Matthew White has left the band for personal reasons after 20 months in the seat.

Immediate

Musical Director Philip Harper told 4BR: "Matthew approached me after our CD recording session on Saturday and informed me that he would be leaving the band with immediate effect for reasons personal to him.

His mind was entirely made up and so I had to accept his decision. We are sorry to lose such a talented musician."

His mind was entirely made up and so I had to accept his decision. We are sorry to lose such a talented musicianMD, Philip Harper

Step up

He added: "Fortunately we have another superb player in Martyn Patterson who has willingly agreed to step up from number two to the end chair to cover our upcoming concerts over the next few weeks.

This will give us a good opportunity to assess our long-term options for filling what must be one of the most fantastic euphonium positions in the world."