Reigning North West Area champion Leyland has announced the appointment of Lucien Rey as their new principal cornet.

Born in Switzerland, Lucien now lives in Manchester where he studies finance at Manchester Business School.

Opportunity

Commenting on his appointment, after previously playing repiano with the band, Lucien spoke of his gratitude of being given the opportunity.

"Since joining Leyland in 2010 I have had nothing but support," he told 4BR.

"They are such a professional and friendly organisation and it is a real honour to be appointed as principal cornet. I'm looking forward to what promises to be a very exciting future, beginning with our defence of the Area Championship in Blackpool next month."

They are such a professional and friendly organisation and it is a real honour to be appointed as principal cornetLucien Rey

Replacement

The band had been seeking a permanent replacement following the departure of Iain Culross in December, with Resident Conductor Huw Thomas speaking of delight at being able to find the perfect candidate from within the band:

"I’m delighted that Lucien has accepted the position. He has been an excellent performer with the band on repiano and now is the time for him to make his name as one of the finest cornet playing talents in the UK."

Lucien made his concert debut at their recent Valentines themed event at Chorley Town Hall.