Since its inception in 2012 the St Andrews Brass Festival has developed an identity as an internationally focused event of exploration, experimentation and participation.
Bousfield return
And this year (9th — 12th November) it welcomes brass musicians of all backgrounds — from the orchestral, band and jazz worlds.
Former London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra principal trombone Ian Bousfield returns for the second time, performing an evening recital with pianist Scott Mitchell.
Ian will also direct a lunchtime concert by St Andrews Brass, a non-auditioned community ensemble, in music by Strauss, Gabrieli and Mussorgsky.
Wallace nuts
John Wallace's pioneering ensemble also return — this time with a programme of 20th century works for small brass ensemble, including the first performance by the extraordinary trumpeter Marco Blaauw of Bruce Fraser's new composition 'Brazil Nuts and Bolts' for Blaauw's double bell trumpet and brass quintet.
Blaauw will also make his first appearance with a British brass band in a new work by John Wallace titled 'Tentsmuir', accompanied by the Co-operative Funeralcare Band.
New music
The focus on new music will also see Blaauw improvising with live electronics, aided by the laptop wizardry of Alistair MacDonald from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, whilst the Co-operative Funeralcare Band will also join with the Wallace Collection in a rare performance of Derek Bourgeois' 'Concerto for Brass Quintet and Brass Band'.
The festival includes performances by the University of St Andrews Wind Band and Big Band, whilst University students will perform in a masterclass with Scottish Chamber Orchestra principal trumpeter Peter Franks.
Former London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra principal trombone Ian Bousfield returns for the second time, performing an evening recital with pianist Scott Mitchell4BR
Come and play
Brass players from across Scotland are invited to 'Come and Play' with members of the Wallace Collection and jazz pianist Richard Michael — following on from the 50 who attended the same event in 2015.
The festival is directed by Bede Williams and John Wallace.
Full details
For full programme details see:
