Conductor Russell Gray will be making a welcome return to Switzerland later this year to direct Oberaargauer Brass Band at both the Swiss Open and Swiss National Championships.

Enjoy

The high profile Yamaha artist has been invited by the top flight Wiedlisbach based band and MD Armin Bachman to take them to the contests in Lucerne on 20th September, before returning to direct their assault on the National Championships in Montreux in late November.

"I’ve always looked forward to my musical trips to Switzerland as a soloist, conductor and adjudicator, and this is sure to be another opportunity which I will thoroughly enjoy," Russell told 4BR.

"I have known Armin for some time and have huge respect for him as a musician and for the work he has done with this fine band."

Prep work

He added: "I know preparation work has already got underway, so I’m looking forward to meeting up with the band in the next couple of weeks."

Open

In the meantime, Russell is also keeping his lip in shape with the news that he is to play principal cornet with Milnrow Band at the British Open.

"It’s always good to be able to keep playing at the highest contesting level — although ‘Vita Aeterna Variations’ is one heck of a test piece! I’m still looking forward to it though."

I’ve always looked forward to my musical trips to Switzerland as a soloist, conductor and adjudicator, and this is sure to be another opportunity which I will thoroughly enjoyRussell Gray

Happy

The Swiss trip is being supported by Yamaha Music Europe, and the company is delighted that Russell will also be working with fellow Yamaha artist Armin Bachman.

A spokesperson added: "We are very happy to be able to support these two exceptional Yamaha musicians and to help develop this musical partnership between a wonderful conductor and outstanding band."