Distant Dutch connections for Carlton Main

Carlton Main Frickley team up with Erik Janssen for Distant Memories at Grand Shield.

Friday, 06 May 2016

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band has confirmed that they will be conducted by Erik Janssen at the forthcoming Grand Shield contest in Blackpool.

The appointment will see the Dutchman take the role working alongside side Musical Director, Ian McElligott. He will travel to Yorkshire to prepare the band following his successful tenure leading the European Youth Brass Band in Lille.

Looking forward

He told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to working with a great band. I really love their style and sound and I know they have many remarkable players.

The band has already shown its quality at the Regional Championship in Bradford and I believe we can do a really good job together on 'Of Distant Memories', which is one of my favourite compositions."

Distant connections

The partnership also sees Erik re-connect with a work on which he led Brass Band Schoonhoven to the 2013 Dutch National title and conduct Whitburn to a top ten finish at the National Finals in London.

Carlton Main's Band Manager, Robert Browne told 4BR: "We are thrilled to be able appoint one of the most exciting conductors in Europe, which reflects our aims and ambitions. We are all thoroughly looking forward to working with Erik."

We are thrilled to be able appoint one of the most exciting conductors in Europe, which reflects our aims and ambitions. We are all thoroughly looking forward to working with ErikBand Manager, Robert Browne

Double boost

In a double boost, young cornet star Bradley Hanson has been appointed as 'bumper-up'. Despite his youth, he comes with a wealth of experience as a former principal cornet with Foss Dyke and successful periods with both EYMS and Reg Vardy. He makes a welcome return after playing with Carlton Main at the 2014 British Open.

Principal Cornet, Kirsty Abbotts told 4BR: "As soon as I heard of Bradley's interest we did everything we could to secure his signing. I'm delighted to have him as part of the cornet team, especially as my bumper-up!

The band has some great young talent around the stands, which creates a very exciting future."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us