After several years working in Abu Dhabi, Andrew Berryman, the former principal trombone of the Halle Orchestra, will return to the UK in January 2016.

New year return

It has also been confirmed that he will take the baton as Professional Conductor with Northop Silver, with whom he has recently enjoyed working with. He will take the band for one engagement in early September before flying back to Abu Dhabi in preparation for his welcome return home in the New Year.

The former Wingates MD will take over from Thomas Wyss in preparation for the 2016 Welsh Regional Contest in Swansea.

Exciting times

Northop Band spokesperson Dave Hughes told 4BR: "These are exciting times for the band. Andrew is very talented, enthusiastic and enjoys a challenge.

His loyalty and love of music making makes him the ideal person to take Northop onto bigger and better things in 2016.

The band is very excited about his appointment, and we look forward to working with him in the very near future."

I'm also excited at being offered this opportunity with Northop. The band has an excellent reputation, an excellent youth band and superb facilitiesAndrew Berryman

Excellent reputation

Andrew himself added: "I'm also excited at being offered this opportunity with Northop. The band has an excellent reputation, an excellent youth band and superb facilities.

I have some innovative ideas to promote the whole organisation and I can't wait to get started."