Although Cory was unable to retain the European title in Oostende last weekend, there was still a special reason to celebrate for their euphonium star Glyn Williams, as he became the first person to claim a personal 'Grand Slam' of 'Best Instrumentalist/ Best Soloist' awards at all the major championship events.

Having already taken the accolades at the British Open, National Championship of Great Britain and Brass in Concert, he added the European trophy to his collection thanks to his outstanding playing on Cory's own-choice work, 'Destination Moon'.

Staggering standard

The Sterling artist told 4BR: "I've been very fortunate that so many of the test-pieces that we now play feature the euphonium heavily, so the opportunity to win these prestigious awards is always there.

I'm delighted I was able to complete the set at the European Championships, where the standard solo playing with all the competing bands is staggering."

Thanks

He added: "My thanks go to Philip Harper and Cory for their support ever since Helen and I moved down to Wales, and of course to Paul Riggett at Sterling Instruments who provide me with the perfect instrument to play on.

I'm very proud of course, but very fortunate to have been able to perform at these brilliant contests with such fantastic bands."

I'm very proud of course, but very fortunate to have been able to perform at these brilliant contests with such fantastic bandsGlyn Williams

Silverware

Amongst the many individual awards Glyn has won over the years has been 'Best Soloist' at Brass in Concert in 1999, as well as 'Best Euphonium' on five occasions; the 'Best Instrumentalist' awards at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 2008 and 2009 and at the British Open in 2008. He also won the Geoffrey Whitham 'Best Euphonium' Award at the British Open in 2012, 2015 and 2016.