The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) is meeting in Stirling this weekend to make a landmark recording of music by composer Malcolm Arnold.

10th anniversary

The project, developed in conjunction with the Wallace Collection and the Malcolm Arnold Trust, will see the band record a selection of Arnold's works under the baton of Musical Director Emeritus, Richard Evans — including his 'Little Suites' and 'Fantasy for Brass Band'.

The recording will be released to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the composer's death in 2016 and will celebrate a relationship that stretches back more than five decades when Arnold received a commission from the Scottish Amateur Music Association in 1963.

Result

The result was the first 'Little Suite for Brass', with the work receiving its premiere led by Scottish National Orchestra conductor Bryden Thomson at Aberdeen's High School for Girls in July that year.

Honoured

Carrie Boax, President of the Scottish Brass Band Association, told 4BR: "The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland is honoured to be involved in this project.

It is to be celebrated that such a prominent musical figure wrote for the brass band and it's important that today's NYBBS members immerse themselves in Arnold's wonderful work.

I'm confident this recording will act as a landmark tribute to his life, work and connection with the cream of Scotland's young brass playing talent."

The recording will be released to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the composer's death in 2016 and will celebrate a relationship that stretches back more than five decades4BR

New and exciting opportunities

One former NYBBS member who is keen to continue developing the composer's legacy is Professor John Wallace, who added: "I look back on my time with NYBBS very fondly.

As a young musician, it offered so many new and exciting opportunities to perform exciting repertoire with inspiring conductors and I am so glad to see this ethos continuing.

Having worked with NYBBS in the summer, it was clear the organisation retains an appetite to bring members new experiences and opportunities, whether that is the tour of Canada in 2016, masterclasses with guest educationalists or performances at prestigious events like the Cumnock Tryst."

Highest level

He added: "This Malcolm Arnold recording is just one of the ways which I am delighted to be collaborating with the NYBBS, offering the young musicians opportunities which will develop their performance skills at the very highest level.

The recording is due to be released in 2016.