British Open champion Tredegar has announced the signing of euphonium star Matthew White.

RNCM future

With Daniel Thomas confirming to the band that he had accepted an offer to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in September, MD Ian Porthouse has acted swiftly to secure his replacement with immediate effect.

Ian told 4BR: "Daniel told Band President Iwan Fox and me of his decision to study at the RNCM last week, and we wish him all the very best for the future. He is an outstanding talent, and one that we have been proud to help develop over the last few years."

Long term replacement

He added: "Daniel has a remarkable future ahead of him, but unfortunately his decision meant the band had to secure a long term replacement — and to be able to link up with a world class talent such as Matthew is something I’m delighted about.

Tredegar has ambitious musical aims and objectives and we want Matthew to play an integral part in them."

Excited

Matthew told 4BR: "I’m really excited about joining Tredegar and linking up with such a great band.

This is the ideal opportunity for me at this stage of my career and look forward to being part of their exciting future plans."

Tredegar has ambitious musical aims and objectives and we want Matthew to play an integral part in themMD, Ian Porthouse

Grateful

Meanwhile, Daniel, who won the British Open ‘Best Euphonium Soloist’ prize with his contribution to Tredegar’s Symphony Hall success last year, told 4BR that he was now looking forward to working hard towards the start of his Manchester studies.

"I’m very grateful to everyone at Tredegar and fully understand the need to get a long term replacement in for me as soon as possible.

Their continued support means that I can carry on playing a band instrument and use Tredegar’s bandroom to practice each day — something which will be a huge benefit to me in the coming months."