The National Association of Brass Band Conductors has announced the names of the 12 finalists who will take part in their Conducting Competition to be held on Sunday 19th June in Elland in West Yorkshire.

Brendan Breslin, Mark Edwards, Aiden Hodgson, James Kierle, Andrew Mallon, Craig Mann, John Pearson, Garry Perrin, Rob Richardson, Tom Ridgley, Matt Shaw and Christopher Small will each direct a short rehearsal on either 'Essay' (Gregson), 'Tallis Variations' (Sparke) or 'Traversada' (Waespi).

Six finalists

Adjudicators Russell Gray (NABBC President) and Paul Hoskins (Musical Director of Rambert Ballet Company) will then select six conductors to go through to the final round. This will see each finalist conduct and compere one of six items in an evening concert setting directing the Eccles Band.

The concert will start at 7.30pm at Bertie's Bistro, Brook Street, Elland (HX5 9AW).

We have excellent finalists and we are really looking forward to what promises to be a great dayNABBC National Secretary, James Holt

High quality

NABBC National Secretary James Holt told 4BR: "We have been delighted with the high quality of the entrants and the process to whittle it down to twelve was a difficult task. We have excellent finalists and we are really looking forward to what promises to be a great day.

The evening concert is a great way to round things off, and with free entry we hope to see a packed and appreciative audience there to enjoy the proceedings."