The National Youth Brass Band of Wales has announced that Philip Harper will direct its 2015 residential course and tour.

The Cory Musical Director will conduct the band in concerts in Blackwood and at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama’s Dora Stoutzker Concert Hall in July next year.

Success

The appointment follows the critical success of the band’s 2014 course under the baton of Norwegian conductor, Reid Gilje and follows the parent body Ty Cerdd’s new policy of one year tenures for its conductors, introduced in order to maximise the range of experiences on offer to young performers.

Repertoire for the course is to be announced, but 4BR has been informed that once again it will feature an exciting new commission by a leading Welsh composer, as well as new musical departures into Latin American music and also a work from the pen of Philip Harper himself.

Pleased

Ty Cerdd and NYBBW Director, Gwyn L. Williams told 4BR: "We are extremely pleased that Philip has agreed to lead the band in 2015. He is a very fine musician who brings a wealth of experience, not only as a conductor but also as a composer and music educator.

We are sure that our young players will gain an enormous amount of musical benefit from working with a musician of his stature."

Most of my conducting work now takes place in Wales, so I already feel a strong attachment, and I look forward to working on and premiering a major new piece, alongside other exciting musicPhilip Harper

Thrilled

Meanwhile, Philip told 4BR that he was delighted to be asked to lead the National Youth Brass Band for the first time. “I’m thrilled to be asked to conduct such a wonderful band, especially as it will be my first time leading a national ensemble — something to which I have aspired for a long time!"

He added: "Most of my conducting work now takes place in Wales, so I already feel a strong attachment, and I look forward to working on and premiering a major new piece, alongside other exciting music."

More info:

Further information about the NYBBW can be found at: http://tycerdd.org/youth-music/national-youth-brass-band-of-wales