Tuba star Les Neish has certainly had a busy start to 2015, with his latest high profile concert appearance seeing him perform with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.

Team up

After leading a highly successful Cornwall Youth Brass Band course, Les traded the baton for tuba and travelled to Southern Ireland to team up with conductor Gearoid Grant and the young members of the orchestra.

Performing ‘Romanza” from the Vaughan Williams ‘Tuba Concerto’, ‘Tubby the Tuba’ and ‘Czardas’, Les’ playing captivated the orchestra and simply stunned the audience at a packed National Concert Hall, Dublin, as NYOI General Manager Carol-Ann McKenna told 4BR.

Inspire

“The National Youth Orchestra of Ireland's mission is to inspire young Irish musicians through the study of challenging and exciting repertoire under the guidance of music professionals, encouraging performance of the highest standard on national and international platforms,” she said.

“This year we embarked on a winter residential course in Kilkenny with intensive rehearsals culminating in a fabulous performance in Dublin.

It was so exciting for the orchestra to work with a tuba soloist (it was a first for the majority of them!) and they were amazed at the virtuosity and range of the instrument — especially the way Les played it. Our experience of working with Les will live on for many years!”

It was so exciting for the orchestra to work with a tuba soloist and they were amazed at the virtuosity and range of the instrument — especially the way Les played itCarol-Ann McKenna

Argentina

There is little time to catch a breath for Les though as he gets set to head to Argentina next week to take part in the Isla Verde Bronces Brass Festival.